Concept: Implementation Mechanism
A representation of an Architecure Mechanism using a specific programming language or product.
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Main Description

An implementation mechanism is a refinement of a corresponding design mechanism, using, for example, a particular programming language and other implementation technology (such as a particular vendor's middleware product). An implementation mechanism may instantiate one or more idioms or implementation patterns.

The following points should be reviewed for implementation mechanisms.

Determine the ranges of characteristics. Take the characteristics identified for the design mechanisms to determine reasonable, economical, or feasible ranges of values to use in the candidate-implementation mechanism.

Consider the cost of acquisition for purchased components. For candidate implementation mechanisms, consider the cost of acquisition or licensing, the maturity of the product, relationship with the vendor, support, etc. in addition to purely technical criteria.

Conduct a search for the right components, or build the components. You will often find that there is no apparently suitable implementation mechanism for some design mechanisms; this will trigger a search for the right product, or identify the need for in-house development. You may also find that some implementation mechanisms are not used at all.

The choice of implementation mechanisms is based not only on a good match for the technical characteristics, but also on the non-technical characteristics, such as cost. Some of the choices may be provisional. Almost all have some risks attached to them. Performance, robustness, and scalability are nearly always concerns and must be validated by evaluation, exploratory prototyping, or inclusion in the architectural prototype.

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