anchor.diff:  [[ATAM]]
  -=== [pattern]#ATAM#
  +=== [pattern]#Atam#
   
   Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method. Systematic approach to find architectural 
   risks, tradeoffs and sensitivity points.
  
positive.code: 
  . *Preparation*:
    .. 'Identify the relevant stakeholders': 
        The specific goals of the relevant stakeholders define the precise  
        goals of the architecture. The stakeholders are chosen by the client or 
        customer.  
     
  . *Kickoff*:
    .. 'Present the ATAM method':
        Try to convince the relevant stakeholders of the significance of 
        comprehensible and concrete architecture and quality goals. 
        The ATAM method applied to the architecture evaluation deals with the 
        identification of risks, non-risks, tradeoffs and sensitivity points. 
        The calculation of quantitative attributes is not subject of this method.
      
    .. 'Present the business objectives and architecture goals':
        Presentation of the business context. Reasons for the development of 
        the system. Classification of the system into business processes.
        Clarification of specific requirements that the architecture should meet 
        for instance flexibility, modifiability and performance.
        
    .. 'Present the architecture of the system':
        The architect presents the complete context of the system. This includes:
        
        * All other systems with which the system interacts,
        * Building blocks of the main abstraction level,
        * Runtime views of some important use cases,
        * Change scenarios. 
   
    
  . *Evaluation*:
    .. 'Explain in detail the architecture approaches':
  
negative.code: 
  The ATAM method:
  
  * provides operational, specific quality requirements,
  * discloses important architectural decisions of the <<SuD>>,
  * promotes the communication between relevant stakeholders.
  
  [IMPORTANT]
  The ATAM method does not develop concrete measures, strategies or 
  tactics against the found risks. 
  
  
  ATAM has been successfully applied by many organizations to a variety of systems. It is widely regarded as the most important
  systematic approach to qualitative system/architecture analysisfootnote:[The original authors of ATAM call it an _evaluation_ method, whereas aim42 classifies ATAM to belong to the category of analysis practices.].
  
  ==== Applicability
  
  