Software Architecture Assessment FORM

This assessment form is an architectural tool intended to determine the “readiness” level of interoperability, functionality, scalability, and adaptability of existing software relative to enabling new business opportunities and providing new e-government solutions for delivering service in the future. It is designed to support the planning and implementation of Target Software Architecture principles, recommended standards, and best practices. It addresses the alignment of the software applications and associated programming, database, productivity, and utility software proposed in a PIJ with Enterprise Architecture. It describes major attributes and characteristics derived from Statewide Policy P100, Information Technology, and the principles and recommended standards and best practices contained in the Target Software Architecture.

 

Ratings for programming, database, and productivity software are based on the latest production release of the software. Utility software products used in conjunction with target network and platform architectures are considered target.

 

This assessment form is applicable for all software reported to the Information Services Inventory System (ISIS) as defined by Statewide Standard P800-S815, Configuration Management.

 

Score. Questions for the four (4) software categories are scored with one (1) point for a “Yes” answer and zero (0) for a “No” answer. Maximum possible is the total number of questions for each category.

 

Agency/Community of Interest:

Software Application:

Attributes/Characteristics

Maximum Possible

Score

Description

A. Functionality, scalability, and adaptability, emphasizing client interaction (Software Applications only)

5

 

Software Applications designed to fulfill business requirements and maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of business functions with the ability to scale and adapt as business requirements change and expand; that are interoperable, modular, and deployable across the State enterprise; and that support e-government and client self-sufficiency through browser-based access, regardless of location.

B. Platform independence and use of non-proprietary technologies

5

 

Addresses interoperability, portability, and integration across platforms utilizing open and/or de-facto standard protocols, programming languages, middleware, development tools, databases, utilities, etc.

C. Exchange of information, integration with other software

5

 

Utilizes common, standard interfaces and/or middleware having the ability to interoperate and integrate with other software without requiring custom programming or intermediate, interface-specific applications.

D. Ability to maximize (take full advantage of) Target Network, Security, and Platform Architectures

5

 

Has the capability to conform to, and adhere to, the standards and best practices delineated in the other domain architectures without requiring substantial modifications.

Total Rating Points

20/15

 

 

Software when italicized in an assessment form question encompasses all five (5) categories of Software Architecture, including:

1.       Software Applications                                                     4. Database Software

2.       Programming Software                                                   5. Utility Software

3.       Productivity Software

 

 

Agency/Community of Interest:

Software Application:

A. Functionality, scalability, and adaptability refer to software applications that maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of business functions and have the ability to scale and adapt as business requirements change and expand; are interoperable, modular, and deployable across the State enterprise; and that emphasize e-government and client self-sufficiency through browser-based access, regardless of location. (Software Applications only)

Yes

1. Is the software application extensible (capable of being expanded or customized), adaptive (the adjustment or modification that makes something more fit given the conditions of its environment), and capable of accommodating increased demands for service without substantial modifications and additional costs?

 

2. Is the software application developed and deployed utilizing open and/or de-facto standard protocols, languages, development tools, databases, etc.?

 

3. Is a browser or GUI presentation layer available for the software application?

 

4. Does the software application emulate the “look and feel” of the client device’s operating system and productivity software?

 

5. Does the software application support e-government solutions and/or end user self-sufficiency or self-service?

 

B. Platform independence and use of non-proprietary technologies addresses interoperability and portability across platforms utilizing open and/or de-facto standard protocols, programming languages, middleware, development tools, databases, utilities, etc.

 

1. Is the software, as configured, portable, and accessible across platforms in use within the subject agencies or community of interest?

 

2. Is the software, including version levels, consistent with current deployments of like or similar software within the subject agencies or community of interest?

 

3. Is the software, as configured, platform independent, without proprietary issues and requirements?

 

4. Is the software designed for, and/or supports, n-tier-oriented architecture deployment and implementation?

 

5. Does the software allow for, or provide open and/or de-facto standard interfaces for, a variety of end-user client devices, server and storage platforms, and database products?

 

C. Exchange of information, integration with other software emphasizes common standard interfaces and/or middleware having the ability to interoperate and integrate with other software without requiring custom programming and intermediate interface-specific applications.

 

1. Does the software, as configured, provide for and/or support (directly or through extensions) the transparent transfer and exchange of information with other software products through open or de-facto industry standards?

 

2. Does the software utilize target middleware technologies or open or de-facto industry standards for communicating and exchanging information with other software products?

 

3. Does the software provide for and/or support the integration of, or interfacing with, productivity software currently deployed within the subject agencies or community of interest?

 

4. Does the software provide the capability for sharing common software services and potential reuse of components?

 

5. Is the software, as configured, unrestricted by any proprietary or vendor-specific integration requirements?

 

D. Ability to maximize Target Network, Security, and Platform Architectures addresses the capability to conform to, and adhere to, the standards and best practices delineated in the other domain architectures, without requiring substantial modifications.

 

1. Is the software capable of providing and/or supporting secure (as defined by the State of Arizona Target Security Architecture) end-user interface access without substantial modifications, regardless of end-user location?

 

2. Does the software, as configured, utilize target Network and Platform operating systems?

 

3. Are the versions of the target Network and Platform operating systems utilized by the software consistent with current deployments within the subject agencies or community of interest?

 

4. Do the security services included with the software align with Target Security Architecture and adhere with all security, confidentiality, and privacy policies as well as applicable statutes? If no security services are included, is the software unrestricted to align with Target Security Architecture?

 

5. Is the software capable of being managed and maintained with standard SNMP-based management tools?

 

Total Rating Points