As the computer industry continues to age, the typical signs of maturity still do not exist. Nearly 80% of software projects fail to meet their goals, primarily budget or schedule. Still others fail to meet the needs of their users and become commercial failures. Despite many vendors' claims, there is no silver bullet to address the underlying issues. However, there is a way to reduce the risk of failure. The industry is just now beginning to acknowledge the role of architecture for defining and planning software projects. True software architecture extends far beyond the traditional technical architecture role, and is a critical component in the success of software projects. This presentation will explore the meaning of true software architecture, and describe one process and a set of architectural artifacts. The presentation will also define other roles in a software project, further clarifying the role of architecture. The active participant will take away a new appreciation for the role of architecture, as well as a solid introduction to the architecture process.

Tom Bullinger is a founder and Principal Architect with ArchSynergy (www.ArchSynergy.com), a company devoted to software architecture. Tom is also the president of the local (and still forming!) chapter of Worldwide Institute of Software Architects (www.wwisa.org). He has worked on a variety of projects for multiple clients with a focus on the practical application of architecture and object technology. Prior to founding ArchSynergy, Tom led a team of software architects at Xelus. He also managed a group of analysis experts at Questra Consulting, where in addition to management responsibilities he was responsible for research and application of object technologies and related training and consulting. Tom has also been an Adjunct Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology, teaching courses in Software Engineering.

If you would like to contact the Rochester Chapter of the IEEE Computer Society Webmaster, email to Webmaster. (Modified:  17-Feb-2003)