The use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components enables more timely implementation of software projects in industry, but the time spent in evaluation of a single product, particularly when critical shortcomings are discovered late in the process, can often impact the business advantages of a faster time-to-market. Using the Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method (ATAM) in conjunction with high-level analysis artifacts based on modified Rational Unified Processes (RUPs) to manage scope and risk, teams are able to quickly evaluate COTS-based architectural solutions prior to contract finalization. This paper will discuss the method, outcomes, and lessons learned in a series of inter related COTS-based implementations using the aforementioned methods in industry. Learner objectives focus on sensitivity of quality requirements, progressive states of use cases, and component-level use-case realizations.

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