We provide technical assistance and guidance to transform the architectural design process from one based on human evaluation to one based on automated analysis.

This analysis includes

• validating system quality attributes early in the design phase
• facilitating system integration
• conducting impact and tradeoff analysis using architecture models

Architectural Model

An architecture-centric, model-based approach supports multiple analysis, performed throughout the life cycle, on a single model.

The SEI uses the Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL) to document a system architecture and provide a platform for multiple analyses. AADL, an international industry standard, supports multiple analyses from a single architectural model, enables modeling and analysis throughout the life cycle, and provides analysis of runtime behavior such as availability, performance, and security.

Through its XML/XMI interchange format, AADL supports model interchange and tool chaining. And, the SEI offers the freely available Open Source AADL Tool Environment (OSATE) set of analysis plug-ins that includes

• a syntax-sensitive text editor, with integrated error reporting
• a parser and semantic checker for textual AADL with conversion into AADL XML
• an unparser for AADL XML to textual AADL conversion
• support for multi-enterprise development through a version control system interface

AADL also can be used with

• UML state and process charts through its UML profile
• the SEI Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method, to drill into root causes and develop quantitative analysis
• assurance cases, to support claims made about the safety, security, or reliability of a system