Grady Booch Software Architecture Masterclass

A masterclass on Software Architecture was held 13th and 14th September 2007 in London, UK, attended by none other than IBM Fellow and IBM Rational Chief Scientist Grady Booch. The event was also attended by many leading academics working in this area. As the event organiser, I've decided to use this page to host the various materials associated with the masterclass.

General Materials

Breakout Sessions

The materials for each breakout session are given below. However, you can also click here (3Mb) to download all breakout materials in one go.

Breakout 1 – Architecture Representation

Facilitator	Richard Hopkins
Reporter	Nick Whidborne
Presenter	Behzad Bordbar
Description	Participants attending this breakout session are invited to discuss their experiences in developing and using architecture representations. In keeping with the workshop's objectives, we aim to develop a group view on specific initiatives that would address any deficiencies identified during the session. This session will look at the state-of-the-art in languages, standards and methods underpinning modelling of software architecture both in academia and industry. It will question how software architecture models are being used to develop software systems (e.g. Model Driven Development), the value they provide, and how these models could be used more dynamically and more accurately on software development projects.
Presentation	Click here (100Kb)
Notes	Click here (35Kb)

Breakout 2 - Linkage of requirements to architecture

Facilitator	Pieter Lindeque
Reporter	Dan Bailey
Presenter	Peter Henderson
Description	Defining requirements is a complex matter. Without realising it, we often end up describing something that is too hard to visualise and may well be undeliverable. Business leaders and their analysts regularly define IT requirements that are not achievable. It is as if, in engineering terms, they are requesting a 1000 metre cantilever bridge, which is way beyond current capabilities. It is not so easy to visualise software architecture, so the impossible is not so obvious. This session will discuss the importance of linking requirements to architecture and using the architecture to focus on the customer's real business needs. The group discussion will focus on approaches to effectively capture and manage requirements. This will be achieved by drawing on a realistic solution, a "roving autonomous vehicle" capable of being used on a Mars landing. The proposed solution will be required to focus on open systems, due to the nature of how the solution will be delivered from a consortium of independent vendors, to re-use available assets and for the ability for it to be upgradeable throughout its life.
Presentation	Click here (3.5Mb)
Notes	Click here (50Kb) and here (410Kb)

Breakout 3 - Meeting quality of service requirements

Facilitator	Chris Winter
Reporter	Pete Cripps
Presenter	Wolfgang Emmerich
Description	This session will examine the challenges in addressing architectural qualities when defining an architectural solution.
Presentation	Click here (500Kb)
Notes	Click here (35Kb) and here (35Kb)

Breakout 4 - Software versus systems engineering

Facilitator	Tracy Gardner
Reporter	Steve Rooks
Presenter	John McDermid
Description	The session will consider the relationship of systems and software engineering trying to identify where they may be in conflict, and where they may be in harmony. The session will seek to identify areas where Universities and industry need to collaborate, e.g. in research and in education of tomorrow’s systems and software engineers.
Presentation	Click here (1Mb)
Notes	Click here (200Kb)