A Multi-Core Architectural Pattern Selection Method for the Transition from Single-Core to Multi-Core Architecture

Along with rapid advancements of convergent devices, increased software complexity paired with contrastingly shortened software product lifecycle have introduced new challenges from which the need to transform legacy single-core based systems to multi-core systems have emerged. Unfortunately, existing software development processes are late in providing adequate support for multi-core parallelization, failing to keep up with the speed of advancements in multi-core based hardware systems. To address this gap, in our previous work we have proposed a software development process to support the transition of an existing single-core based software to a multi-core equivalent. We have also introduced a tool, the Architectural Decision Supporter (ADS), to assist in the selection of appropriate multi-core architectural patterns and in the search for proper construction components. In this paper, we introduce a selection method for choosing the most desirable candidate among various multi-core architectural patterns implemented using ADS. The proposed method provides the means to combine the contextual knowledge of domain applications and the technical knowledge of individual architectural pattern for multi-core processing.