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ENTERPRISE-ARCHITECTURE5 MIN READ

Evaluate trade-offs with a utility tree

Create a small ATAM-style utility tree and use it to identify architecture risks and trade-offs.

Evaluate a claims platform that must balance latency, fraud detection, auditability, and modifiability. ATAM: business drivers -> quality attribute scenarios -> prioritized utility tree -> risks and trade-offs The common trap is treating qualities as adjectives. "Fast" and "secure" do not guide architecture until they become scenarios with measures. Elicit drivers Business drivers: reduce claim abandonment, lower fraud loss, satisfy audit evidence, and support product-rule changes. ATAM starts with business drivers so technical qualities are tied to enterprise value. Write scenarios Performance: peak 2,000 requests/min, 95% complete under 1.5s. Audit: retrieve claim decision trail within 2 minutes for any closed…

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