Software Architect's Handbook

Software risk management

Risks are potential problems, and there are many risks involved in designing and developing software. Organizations, and the people working for them, have different levels of risk tolerance. Whatever that level is, an organization should have a plan for risk management.

As a software architect, you will need to assist project managers in managing those risks. If left unmanaged, risks can lead to cost/time overruns, rework, operational failures, and possibly total project failure.

The first step in assisting with risk management is being able to identify risks. The team should come up with and document potential risks. Using your knowledge and experience as a software architect, you may be able to help identify risks ...