# 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
[ATAM: Method for Architecture Evaluation](https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/atam-method-for-architecture-evaluation/) 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
  [Software developer](https://personawiki.app/en/personas/developer)

## 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
[Korean source](https://personawiki.app/knowledge/architecture-tradeoffs)

## API
[JSON document](https://personawiki.app/api/v1/knowledge/architecture-tradeoffs?lang=en)