AHP-Based Quality Centric Architecture Evaluation Methodology

The later the software quality correction starts in the software process, the higher the cost of software quality (COSQ) correction becomes. Therefore, software quality failure should be eliminated as early in architecture evaluation as possible [1]. Traditional architecture evaluation methods such as CBAM (Cost-Benefit Analysis Method) are, in essence, the process of forming architecture strategies through the ROI. It fails, however, to address the critical factor of software quality in the course of the formation. This study proposes, based on the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process), a Quality Centric Architecture Evaluation Methodology to raise the software quality by quantitatively eliciting the relations between quality attributes and architecture strategies. The proposed methodology helps stakeholders make a decision as to architecture strategies and maximize software qualities.