2.10 Conclusions

To realize the benefits of software components and object technology, much more effective guidance is needed than the naive application of objects that characterized the first generation of these technologies. Specifically, the knowledge of contemporary architectural approaches, design patterns, AntiPatterns, and reference models enables software development teams to share information with software project stakeholders.

Design patterns are a highly effective, best practice approach that is now being applied in many software development shops. The technology and skills transfer available through design patterns can lead to some important benefits, including reducing software risks, enhancing the effectiveness and productivity of the software developer, and making successful practices repeatable. AntiPatterns serve the same purpose as design patterns with additional documentation describing the environment where the solutions are best applicable.

Enterprise architectures are an increasingly popular method of consolidating and maintaining information about many software systems deployed across an enterprise. Their emphasis on highly graphical models is ideal for communicating how decisions made at higher levels of the organizations affect the lower level systems and models within an organization.