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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning. | The TOWS Matrix connects internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats into action-oriented strategies. It goes a step further than a pure stocktaking. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | StrategyAnalysisOptions |
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