Using Architectural Constraints to Drive Software Component Reuse While Adding and Enhancing Features: In a Global Software Engineering Team

We develop integrated systems that consist of software and hardware components with a lifespan ranging from 10-15 years. During the life span of these systems, market needs change significantly due to technological advancements, environmental needs, and cultural preferences. Cost of change of software vis-à-vis hardware is a big driver which often leads to the introduction of change to software for meeting evolving market expectations. The biggest advantage of software-'easy adaptability'-is also its biggest drawback, because it makes software susceptible tochange. Hence, designing software is extremely challenging specially in Globally Distributed Software Development (GDSD). In this practice paper, we share our approach of leveraging the constraints of software architecture, the challenges encountered and lessons learnt which enabled higher software reuse when adding and enhancing features while reducing overall costs and shrinking time to market for a Globally Distributed Software Development team.