Title: Modular, layered architecture: the necessary foundation for effective mass customisation in software

Authors: Marc H. Meyer, Peter H. Webb

Addresses: Northeastern University,212 Hayden Hall, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. ' The MathWorks, Inc., 3 Apple Hill Drive, Natick, MA 01760-098, USA

Abstract: This paper posits that developers cannot sustain extensive customisation of software without clear software product line architecture, modular subsystem platforms, and disciplined interfaces among these platforms. To explore this proposition, we initially define the basic principles of desirable software architecture and then apply these definitions to the development of software and the business strategy for creating software product lines. We then illustrate how these concepts not only explain the success of leading software companies but also have motivated fundamental architectural redesigns of their product architectures.

Keywords: modular architectures; software platforms; software development; mass customisation; business strategy; software product development; product architectures; modular products; product platforms.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMASSC.2005.007349

International Journal of Mass Customisation, 2005 Vol.1 No.1, pp.14 - 36

Published online: 11 Jul 2005 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article