Software Engineering

62
CHAPTER 4 
Understanding the Software Project Environment
1. 
Software product operational architecture.
 The product operational architecture 
profiles the business and market essentials concerning the new software prod-
uct that is being considered for development. It should provide the information 
concerning the operational computing environment, the business process it 
supports, the customer base by industry, and the number of potential corporate 
entities and end users that would utilize the product. The types of end users and 
associated skill levels should be categorized to provide a basis for establishing 
the software product training and help systems. The issues of product licensing, 
warranties, and return policies must be addressed.
2. 
Post-development operational architecture.
 The post-development operational 
architecture should establish the anticipated approach to providing software 
product distribution, installation, training, and support capabilities. The use of 
existing facilities, subcontractors, and software dealerships versus enterprise 
direct sales, training, and support staffs should be considered.
3. 
Software product architecture.
 The software product architecture identifies prod-
uct requirements and functional and physical characteristics to be implemented 
and tested. Chapter 3 provides a detailed description of the software product 
architecture.
FIGURE 4.4
Elements of the software architecture.

---