IStar in practice: On the identification of reusable SD Context Models elements

Abstract

Modern enterprises rely on Information Systems (IS) required both to support their operation and provide information required to endorse strategic decisions. Because of their increasing complexity, such systems are usually constructed by integrating software components of different nature and origins into hybrid systems, for which architectural design plays a fundamental role. However, far from simple, this task is usually cumbersome. In previous work we have addressed this issue and proposed a four steps, pattern-based approach, aimed to help in the solution of this problem. In first steps, patterns are described as Context Models, which include recurring elements (actors and dependencies) identified in several industrial cases. In this work we further address this issue and present an study aimed at the validation and extension of such patterns, and/or the identification of new ones, by reviewing recurring elements appearing in 29 semi-industrial IS architectural design processes.