We derive our definitions of the key concepts of software product lines and software architectures from the ongoing work of the SEI Software Product Line Systems Program. Substantial economies can be achieved when the systems in a software product line are developed from a common set of core assets, in contrast to being developed one at a time in separate efforts.
Software architecture forms the backbone for building successful software-intensive systems.
A system's quality attributes are largely permitted or precluded by its architecture. Architecture represents a capitalized investment, an abstract reusable model that can be transferred from one system to the next. Software architecture forms one of the key reusable assets that form the basis of a software product line. Different products in the product line usually share the same architecture, or are built using prescribed variations of a common architecture.