Introduction
In the realm of enterprise architecture, effective communication is paramount. TOGAF, or The Open Group Architecture Framework, provides a structured approach to designing, planning, implementing, and governing enterprise information technology architecture. Central to TOGAF is the concept of Architecture Views and Viewpoints, which serve as a means to represent and communicate the architecture to stakeholders with diverse interests and concerns.
Architecture Views: The Big Picture
Architecture Views in TOGAF are formal representations that convey the essence of an architecture in a way that is meaningful to specific stakeholders. These views act as lenses through which different aspects of the architecture are examined, addressing the concerns of various stakeholders. By providing a visual and structured representation, Architecture Views facilitate a shared understanding among stakeholders, ensuring that the system aligns with their needs and expectations.
Key Terminology
To delve into the world of TOGAF Views and Viewpoints, it’s essential to understand the key terms associated with this framework:
- System: A collection of components designed to deliver specific functions.
- Architecture: The fundamental organization of system components, their relationships, and the guiding principles.
- Architecture Description: A collection of artifacts documenting the architecture.
- Stakeholders: Individuals or groups with key roles and concerns in the system.
- Concerns: The interests of stakeholders that determine the acceptability of the system.
- View: A representation of the entire system from the perspective of specific concerns.
- Viewpoint: The perspective from which a View is constructed and used.
Let’s represent the relationships among the key terminology related to the views and viewpoints concept in TOGAF in a tabular format:
| Key Terminology | Definition | Relationship to Views and Viewpoints in TOGAF |
|---|---|---|
| System | A collection of components intended to provide a specific function or set of functions. | Architecture Views represent the overall architecture of a system, providing a holistic perspective on its components and their interactions. |
| Architecture | The system’s fundamental organization of components, their relationships, and principles. | Architecture Views capture the fundamental organization of the system and its components, offering a structured representation of the overall architecture. |
| Architecture Description | A collection of artifacts that document architecture. | Views and Viewpoints serve as key components in the architecture description, providing a formalized way to document and communicate different aspects of the architecture. |
| Stakeholders | People or groups who have key roles and concerns in the system. | Views are tailored to address the concerns of specific stakeholders, ensuring that the architecture meets the expectations of all relevant parties. |
| Concerns | The key interests of stakeholders, determining the acceptability of the system. | Views are constructed to address the concerns of stakeholders, providing a focused representation that aligns with the interests and expectations of different parties. |
| View | A representation of the whole system from the perspective of a set of concerns. | Views are formal representations that encapsulate specific concerns, offering a visual and structured way to examine the entire system from different perspectives. |
| Viewpoint | The perspective from which a view is constructed and used. | Viewpoints define how a particular view is constructed and utilized, providing a specific lens through which stakeholders can analyze and understand the architecture. |
This table illustrates how each key terminology in the context of TOGAF’s views and viewpoints concept is interconnected, emphasizing the role each term plays in shaping a comprehensive understanding of enterprise architecture.
Core Taxonomy of Views
TOGAF suggests a minimum set of stakeholders for whom views should be developed, including Users, System and Software Engineers, Operators, Administrators, Managers, and Customers. These stakeholder groups may have architecture views falling into categories such as Business, Data, Application, and Technology.
Common Views and Viewpoints
To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the architecture, TOGAF outlines some common views and viewpoints:
- Business Architecture View: Focuses on addressing the concerns of users.
- Enterprise Security View: Addresses the security aspects of the system.
- Software Engineering View: Deals with the development of new software systems.
- System Engineering View: Concentrates on the assembly of hardware and software components.
- Communication Engineering View: Focuses on structuring network and communication elements.
- Data Flow View: Addresses data requirements for processing, storage, retrieval, archiving, and security.
- Enterprise Manageability View: Deals with the operations, administration, and management of the system.
- Acquirer View: Addresses the procurement of Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) software and hardware.
Benefits of TOGAF Views and Viewpoints
- Improved Communication: Stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and concerns can communicate effectively using a common language provided by Views and Viewpoints.
- Alignment with Stakeholder Concerns: By addressing specific concerns through dedicated views, architects ensure that the final system aligns with the expectations of various stakeholders.
- Comprehensive Understanding: The structured representation of different aspects of the architecture allows stakeholders to comprehend the entire system while focusing on their specific areas of interest.
Summary
TOGAF Views and Viewpoints offer a structured and effective way to communicate complex enterprise architectures. By addressing the concerns of diverse stakeholders through various views, TOGAF ensures that the architecture aligns with organizational goals and satisfies the needs of all involved parties.
The core terminology, such as System, Architecture, Architecture Description, Stakeholders, Concerns, View, and Viewpoint, collectively forms the foundation for TOGAF’s views and viewpoints concept. Views are formal representations that offer a holistic perspective on the architecture, addressing specific concerns of stakeholders. These concerns are the key interests that determine the acceptability of the system in its environment.
TOGAF categorizes stakeholders into groups like Users, System and Software Engineers, Operators, Administrators, Managers, and Customers, each having distinct architecture views falling under Business, Data, Application, and Technology categories. Common views and viewpoints include Business Architecture View, Enterprise Security View, Software Engineering View, System Engineering View, Communication Engineering View, Data Flow View, Enterprise Manageability View, and Acquirer View.
The relationships among these key terms are intricately connected. System and Architecture form the basis for Architecture Views, while Stakeholders and Concerns drive the customization of views to meet the specific needs of diverse parties. Architecture Description encompasses Views and Viewpoints as integral artifacts that document and communicate the architecture effectively.