Software Architect's Handbook

Risks of product line engineering

Although product line engineering for software may result in benefits, be aware that there are risks related to its successful implementation. Moving to this type of approach requires adopting a new technical strategy for the organization as a whole. It requires coordination and managerial support.

It needs to be clear to development teams what core assets are available to them, and what the variation points are so that they can utilize them properly. The scope of the product line needs to be set appropriately so that it is neither too broad nor too narrow.

If the organization is creating all of the products in the same product line, it requires successful execution by the software architects and development ...