Software Engineering

18.1 
Preliminary architecture definition
The preliminary architecture definition effort is focused on establishing the func-
tional architecture and conceptual structural solution. The purpose of this stage is 
to fully understand the software challenge as defined by stakeholder needs, soft-
ware specifications, and computer technology capabilities. The functional architec-
ture provides an analytical solution to the software product operational essentials. 
The initial software product structural configuration will be established as a con-
ceptual representation of the dominant, topmost structural components. The initial 
structural configuration involves the arrangement of, and interconnections among, 
abstract components and user interface design mechanisms.