Evaluating an Embedded Software Reference Architecture — Industrial Experience Report —

In this paper, we discuss experiences gained during evaluation of the maintainability of a reference architecture in use at Oc´e, one of the world’s leading copier manufacturers. The evaluation is conducted using an approach based on SEI’s Software Architecture Analysis Method (SAAM). The paper proposes a variant of SAAM that helps to reduce the organisational impact of architecture evaluations. Second, we analyse the implications of evaluating reference architectures as opposed to single-product architectures. Furthermore, we share our experience of conducting the evaluation, draw lessons for practitioners, and propose new research topics.