Applying patterns to develop a product line architecture for statistical analysis software

This paper discusses the role of patterns in product line design by introducing a pattern based product line architecture for statistical analysis software. Associated to the architecture is a pattern language describing the instantiation of concrete software products from the product line. As patterns document design decisions better than mere code, patterns hinder the architectural drift. Since stability and organized evolution is of high importance for long-term assets, the use of patterns and pattern languages is particularly interesting for product line architectures.