A web-based system for managing software architectural knowledge

Abstract

The Management of architectural knowledge is vital for improving an organization’s architectural capabilities. Despite the recognition of the importance of capturing and reusing architectural knowledge, there is no suitable support mechanism. We have developed a conceptual framework for capturing and using architectural knowledge to support the software architecture process. A knowledge management system is envisioned to support the proposed framework. Such a system should facilitate architectural knowledge sharing among stakeholders, who may be collocated or geographically distributed. This chapter presents and discusses the design, implementation, and deployment details of a web-based architectural knowledge management system, called PAKME, to support the software architecture process. This chapter also discusses different usages of PAKME in the context of the software architecture process. The chapter concludes with a brief description of the use of PAKME in an industrial setting.