Quality software systems require quality software architectures. Otherwise it is hard, if not impossible, to meet their functional and non-functional requirements or to master their inherent complexity. For instance, software architectures for systems with end-to-end quality of service demands, systems with stringent security requirements, or systems that are supposed to be in operation for 20+ years cannot be created on the fly, using contemporary middleware and tools.

Instead these architectures must be crafted with care, following a defined specification process and being based on thoughtful design decisions. This tutorial explores some of the timeless secrets of building high-quality software architectures, in terms of process, methodology, design goals, and architectural properties, to bring the foundations of building successful software into everybodies mind.