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Selected:Architecture Decision RecordSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)VRIO Frameworkarc42
| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) | ![]() Business Strategy VRIO Framework | ![]() Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 VRIO Framework rates resources and capabilities on whether they are Valuable, Rare, Inimitable, and Organized. It compares strengths, risks, market logic, and courses of action. The result is captured as a VRIO table and strategic actions. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 90-180 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 3-6 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
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 | VRIO Table, Strategic Actions | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | StrategyDiagnosisBusiness modelCapability | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |



