Software Engineering

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CHAPTER 12 
Configuring the Physical Architecture
the solution was devised. It specifies the fundamental building blocks (structural 
units) from which the software product will be implemented. During the initial 
implementation phase of software implementation, these structural unit specifica-
tions communicate how software units are designed, coded, and tested. How struc-
tural units are identified and specified during software design synthesis is discussed 
further in this chapter. The software integration strategy addresses the software 
assembly, integration, and testing scheme that results in a fully integrated product 
configuration. Finally, the use of modeling and simulation methodologies as an aid 
in deciding on the preferred design solution is discussed.
The physical architecture is comprised of the technical drawings, diagrams, 
specifications, and models that document the structural design solution. The 
structural design solution addresses the configuration of structural units and 
components, as well as how they are assembled and integrated into a single prod-
uct. Structural unit and component specifications provide the basis for software 
implementation, which involves software unit design, coding, and testing, as well 
as software component integration and testing. Therefore, the physical architecture 
results in the software product technical data package that provides the necessary 
structural design documentation to enable software implementation. The content 
FIGURE 12.1
Relationships among the software architecture configurations.

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