Software Architect's Handbook

The agile strategy

The third approach is an agile strategy, which is sometimes referred to as a meet-in-the-middle approach. It is a compromise between the top-down and bottom-up approaches. In this approach, analysis can occur concurrently with design and development. As soon as enough analysis has been completed, design and development can begin. While such efforts are underway, analysis continues with other functionality. This approach pairs well with an iterative, agile software development methodology.

This is sort of a best-of-both-worlds approach in that a proper design can be completed that will yield all of the service-oriented qualities. This approach can fulfill immediate needs while maintaining service-oriented qualities of the ...