Architecture Modeling Basics

Agenda

  • Modeling frameworks
  • Heavy or light?
  • Pros and cons
  • Relevant links

Modeling Frameworks

  • Several frameworks to choose from
    • ArchiMate modeling language
    • The Open Group Architectural Framework (TOGAF)
    • Zachmann Framework
  • TOGAF was born in the 1990s as a derivative of the Department of Defense's Technical Architecture Framework for Information Management (TAFIM) as well as the Integrated Architecture Framework (IAF) from Capgemini
  • ArchiMate is based on the IEEE 1471 standard for describing "software-intensive systems"

Heavy or Light?

Modeling frameworks can generally be viewed as heavy, since they are prescriptive in how terms are used, interactions are defined, and layers are composed.

Using the methodologies for classifying different segments of a solution or visualizing those segments will yield a more well-rounded solution, regardless of adherence to the meteamodel or strict interaction rules.

Is it worth the overhead?

Pros

  • Structured categories for components
  • Ubiquitous taxonomy
  • Well-defined components and interactions
  • Views and viewpoints provide insight into potential changes
  • Dependency mapping at several levels

Cons

  • Lots of process
  • Lots of academic material
  • Structure can be rigid
  • Models require consistent maintenance
  • Abstract concepts may be difficult to capture

Related Links

ArchiMate: https://www.opengroup.org/archimate-forum/archimate-overview
TOGAF: https://www.opengroup.org/togaf