Architecture quality attributes and ATAM

An architecture evaluation method that examines tensions between performance, availability, security and modifiability through scenarios.

Method · Technology and product

Core concepts

• Quality attributes: operational properties the structure must achieve
• Scenarios: requirements expressed as conditions and expected responses
• Trade-offs: costs imposed on one attribute by improving another

Application

Before changing a system structure, collect stakeholder scenarios and record risks and checks for each alternative.

Limitations and jurisdiction

Unclear requirements or missing load measurements make the assessment dependent on assumptions. An assessment alone does not demonstrate production performance.

Editorial perspectives

• Stability: examine failure impact and recovery conditions first.
• Modifiability: examine module boundaries and change costs first.

Sources

CMU Software Engineering Institute · Kazman, Klein, Clements · 2000, CMU/SEI-2000-TR-004

Context: International reference; verify the application environment

Source checked: 2026-10-07

Independent editorial summary and source link; the original text is not republished.

Related personas

Translation status

Editorial English translation of the Korean edition. No professional translation or occupational expert review has been completed. Translation does not change the source jurisdiction.

Translation prepared: 2026-10-08 · Source fingerprint: kb-5b72232d3925744b

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