ABSTRACT Software rearchitecting is the process of obtaining a documented architecture for an existing system. There are many software rearchitecting frameworks which are based upon different concepts and context-related issues for a specific application or programming language, such as Rigi, Ciao, SPOOL, and Symphony, and Software Rearchitecting Action Framework (SRAF). Most of the frameworks focus on the reverse engineering process of source code. They neglect the role of stakeholders in enhancing and developing their systems. This paper presents a systematic analysis and comparative study for rearchitecting frameworks using generic architecture characteristics or elements. Based on the major requirements that should be available in the rearchitecting frameworks, the comparative study proceeds. An efficient model is proposed based on the trends that resulted from the comparative analysis. It considers the evaluation criteria of the compared frameworks. Conclusions and remarks are highlighted.
