Many people underestimate the importance of software architecture, as well as many others simply don’t really know what it means, and what are the advantages of it.
Although software architecture appears to be very tech, and many people assume it’s not for them, it’s not true!
Don’t you want to hire the best architect when you’re going to build your house, in order to assure you’ll get a solid foundation? Software architecture is the exact same thing – it’s the software’s root.
Software architecture provides a solid foundation for any project, in order to ensure it will be efficient, powerful and eventually successful.
More exactly – what is software architecture?
Software architecture is a model for both the system and the project. It determines the task assignments that must be performed by design and implementation teams.
The architecture is the main conductor of the system features such as scalability, efficiency, modifiability, security and cost savings, none of which can be obtained without an unifying architectural concept.
Architecture is a crucial element for early examination, to ensure that a design approach will produce an acceptable system. By creating a powerful architecture, you can detect the risks and reduce them early in the development process.
Why is software architecture important? The main benefits:
Provides a solid foundation for your software project.
Increases performance and makes your platform scalable.
Lowers the costs.
Identifies possible cost reduction zones. An architecture can assist your organization in defining those areas where improvements can result in cost savings. For example, the architecture can show that it is possible to modify several database systems, so that only one product is used, reducing software costs and maintaining them. It basically provides a basis for reuse. And in this case, reusable assets are extremely valuable to your enterprise because they can lower the overall cost of a system and also increase its performance.
Good control of data. With a great architecture, maintaining the existing software is easier, as the code structure is recognizable and established, so discovering bugs and errors is easier.
Enables faster IT system changes, given that there is increased demand for systems to change rapidly, in order to meet the constantly evolving business needs, legislative requirements, etc.
Enhances the quality of your platform.
Helps manage complexity.
Makes your platform faster.
Better adaptability. New technical capabilities are easier to achieve, as your software architecture provides a clear separation of concerns.
Helps avoiding potential threats, because of a robust risk management.
Reduces development time.
Improves communication with stakeholders, resulting a system that better fulfills your needs. Discussing about complex systems from the stakeholders’ point of view, will help them know about the implications of their specified criteria, and the design decisions based on them. Architecture offers the ability to communicate about design choices before the system is implemented, when they are still fairly easy to adapt.
To conclude
In other words, a good software architecture will determine the difficulties you might encounter when it comes to implementation. It also highlights the organizational structure and makes the decision-making process much easier. Last, but not least, it will help you accurately estimate costs for a reliable budget and a successful project.