Fundamentals of Software Architecture

The layered architecture style is a good choice for small, simple applications or websites. It is also a good architecture choice, particularly as a starting point, for situations with very tight budget and time constraints. Because of the simplicity and familiarity among developers and architects, the layered architecture is perhaps one of the lowest-cost architecture styles, promoting ease of development for smaller applications. The layered architecture style is also a good choice when an architect is still analyzing business needs and requirements and is unsure which architecture style would be best.