A Framework for Adapting Service-oriented Applications based on Functional/Extra-functional Requirements Tradeoffs

This paper introduces an adaptation framework for service-oriented applications based on trade-offs between functional and extra-functional (e.g., availability, performance, and adaptation cost) requirements. The framework relies on an optimization method for adaptation space exploration based on the combined use of meta-heuristic search techniques and of functional and extra-functional patterns (e.g., architectural design patterns and tactics). A formal service-oriented component model, called SCA-ASM, is also adopted for the specification and functional analysis of service-oriented applications. Through a sample application, we exemplify the methodology with emphasis on the use of extra-functional patterns.