Performance modeling and analysis of software architectures: An aspect-oriented UML based approach

Much attention has recently been focused on the problem of effectively developing software systems that meet their non-functional requirements (NFRs). Architectural frameworks have been proposed as a solution to support the design an analysis of NFRs such as performance, security, adaptability, etc. The significant benefits of such work include detecting and removing defects earlier, reducing development time and cost while improving the quality. In contrast to recently proposed solutions, which have mainly addressed NFRs independently, the Formal Design Analysis Framework (FDAF) supports the design and analysis of multiple, conflicting or synergistic NFRs for distributed, real-time systems. FDAF is an aspect-oriented approach that supports the automated translation of extended Unified Modeling Language designs into existing formal notations, including Architecture Description Languages Rapide and Armani. The analysis of the formalized design is achieved using existing tool support for the formal methods, which leverages a large body of work in the research community. Currently, FDAF supports the design and analysis of response time and resource utilization performance sub-aspects. This paper presents the results of using Armani to analyze the resource utilization aspect in a UML based design. The Armani performance analysis results can provide architects with information indicating whether or not overloaded components exist in the design. If such a component exists, then the architect iteratively refines their UML architecture to meet the clients' requirements. The work is illustrated using the Domain Name System. The interaction of NFRs is addressed in the next phase of the work using security aspects.