The SEI has developed a two-pronged, uniform approach for the early identification of quality attribute inconsistencies, ambiguities, and gaps within SoS and system architectures. Using an approach that focuses on SoS quality attribute considerations can produce benefits such as

• improved SoS architecture
• early identification of significant architectural challenges and risks
• better communication between the stakeholders of the SoS, system, and software
• more predictable integration of component systems
• more effective root-cause analysis of problem areas

This approach includes a methodology to perform an initial identification of architectural risks at the SoS level, using existing mission threads that are augmented with quality attribute concerns. This is provided through a series of SEI Mission Thread Workshops (MTWs) and evaluations using the SEI SoS Architecture Evaluation method. The results are organized into a number of risk themes, and then individual systems are associated with those themes. Through this approach, architectural risks are identified early in the life cycle, promoting more efficient and effective risk management.

Further evaluation of the problematic constituent systems can be performed later using the SEI System and Software ATAM.

Mission Thread Workshop

The MTW is a facilitated process that brings together SoS stakeholders to both augment existing mission threads with quality attribute considerations that will shape the SoS architecture and identify SoS architectural challenges. [more]

System of Systems (SoS) Architecture Evaluation Method

In conjunction with the Mission Thread Workshop, the SoS architecture evaluation provides an initial identification of SoS architectural risks and quality attribute inconsistencies across the constituent systems. [more]

Additional Information

For details about evaluating System of Systems (SoS) architectures, contact us using the link in the For more information box at the bottom of this page.

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