A Just-In-Time Architectural Knowledge Sharing Portal

Abstract

In recent years, management of architectural knowledge has become a more prominent theme in software architecture research. Although various specialized tools have been proposed for use in the architecting process, observations show that architects in industry have yet to meet a tool environment that matches their knowledge needs. In order to discover what architectural knowledge needs architects have, we conducted a study in a large organization. In this study we discovered that architects are especially in need for 'JustIn-Time architectural knowledge'. To fulfill this need we designed and implemented an architectural knowledge sharing portal. Our portal's integrated functionality supports architects in their decision-making process, by providing easy access to the right architectural knowledge at any given point in time.

Architectural Knowledge Management in Global Software Development: A Review

“…Other tools not only capture the knowledge but also provide extra facilities. Farenhorst et al present a portal where documents can be searched, and a view of the project stakeholders with their expertise and discussion boards is supported [21]. The portal provides support for a hybrid AKM strategy.…”

“…Users need to be able to configure templates based on their individual needs and to avoid duplication of work AKM tools should be integrated with requirements management tools [6]. Architects are requesting even further integration to include existing tools such as email clients, calendars, project tools that assign people to tasks or activities using the portal [21]. However, even if these needs are met, the problem remains that tool based arrangements may not be appreciated in a distributed environment because of "lack of body language, collocated being more natural and conventional, typing problems, slow collaboration, time lag in communication, and so on " [3].…”

The GRIFFIN Collaborative Virtual Community for Architectural Knowledge Management

“…The need for a more balanced view on AK sharing, in which support for both producing and consuming AK is included, has been discussed before [21]. Moreover, one of the main requirements practitioners stated is support in retrieving the right architectural knowledge at the right time [22]. This can boost reuse of AK (reusable assets are better accessible) and stimulate learning among practitioners (knowledge can be found more easily).…”

“…Solution: An architect is notified by a subscription and notification service about potentially interesting AK depending on his user profile (for example using RSS feeds or email) as soon as new AK is stored in one of the databases. This notification mechanism enables the Just-in-Time AK requirement discussed in [22]. Scenario description (see Fig.…”

Tool support for automating architectural knowledge extraction

“…The toolset comprises a repository, a server, and a number of clients. EAGLE [9] is an architectural knowledge management portal that claims to implement best practices from knowledge management for improving architectural knowledge sharing. ADDSS [8] is a web-based tool developed for managing architectural decisions.…”