Software Architect's Handbook

Researching external software

In order to find out whether external software exists that will be a suitable solution for the problem being solved, or in order to select an external solution from multiple alternatives that might be available, some research will be required.

The software architect should consider the following:

• Does it solve the design problem?
• Is the cost of the software acceptable?
• Is the type of license that comes with the software compatible with the project's needs?
• Is the software easy to use? Does the team have resources that can use it?
• Can the software be integrated with the other technologies that are going to be used on the project?
• Is the software mature, providing stable releases?
• Does it provide the level of ...