Software Architect's Handbook

Using open-source and third-party solutions

Once cross-cutting concerns have been identified, implementations must be provided for them. Software architects should consider solutions that have already been developed, such as open-source or third-party solutions, to satisfy the needs of cross-cutting concerns. Prior to spending resources developing an in-house solution, a capable solution may already exist. For example, for a logging cross-cutting concern, there is no reason to reinvent the wheel when frameworks exist that provide all of the functionality that you need.