Towards an Evolvability Assurance Method for Service-Based Systems

To enable software professionals to design and evolve long-living Service-Based Systems (SBSs) in sustainable fashion, we are developing a continuous assurance method to identify and remediate potential evolvability-related issues. With the rational of broad applicability within service-based architectural styles, we focus on the commonalities of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Microservices. The method is based on structural service-oriented metrics (e.g. coupling or cohesion), service evolution scenarios, as well as service-oriented design patterns to increase modifiability. Tool support should enable convenient usage and adoption of the method for practitioners. The final evaluation is planned as an industry case study in combination with action research.