Using the Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method (ATAM) to Evaluate the Software Architecture for a Product Line of Avionics Systems: A Case Study

The quality of a software-intensive system depends heavily on the system's software architecture. When used appropriately, software architecture evaluations can have a favorable effect on a delivered or modified government system. This technical note describes the application of the Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method (ATAM) to an Army avionics system acquisition. A government-contractor team is developing the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) for a family of U.S. Army Special Operations helicopters. This technical note presents the contextual background about the software architecture, the organization, and the system being evaluated. It also provides a general overview of the ATAM process, describes the application of the ATAM to the CAAS, and presents important results and benefits.