The release matrix for component-based software systems

The challenge of managing the development and evolution of complex, component-based software is increasingly being recognized as the development of such systems becomes more common. This paper attempts to understand the relevance of current management best practices by utilizing a simple meta-model to illustrate the impact that architectural complexity and reusable components have on management patterns. The model serves as a heuristic device and supports the view that products based on a framework of reusable software components pose new challenges and have to be managed simultaneously at a number of different levels. This provides a rationale for the Release Matrix, a generalization of a software release plan, previously proposed as a technique for managing software product lines. The Release Matrix has practical applications for tracking the evolution of complex component-based systems and is shown via the model to be a natural consequence of increased architectural complexity and component reuse. This paper has relevance for developers seeking simple techniques to help them manage challenging component-based programs, as well as researchers interested in the conceptual basis and limits of current management practices.