Architectural Concepts

One of the primary goals of the Architecture 'Resources' Repository is to locate, qualify, sort, coordinate, and explain available information regarding general concepts relevant to IT architects. These are represented by the five red books located on the right-hand side of the top shelf.

General concepts of IT Architecture include:

• Frameworks


• Patterns


• Methodologies


• Governance

Frameworks are tools which can be used for developing a broad range of different architectures. Frameworks describe a method for designing an information system in terms of a set of building blocks, and for showing how the building blocks fit together. It contains a set of tools and provides a common vocabulary. It also includes a list of recommended standards and compliant products that can be used to implement the building blocks. Patterns are solutions to common problems. The goal of architectural patterns is to create a body of literature to help architects resolve recurring problems. An architecture methodology refers to the set of processes a company uses to generate and deliver architectures. Architecture governance is the process used to manage architecture variance over time. Effective IT governance provides a structure for ensuring that IT supports business goals, maximizes IT investments, and appropriately manages IT related risks and opportunities.

Other concepts include such additional topics as:

• Architectural Styles


• Architectural Viewpoints


• Personas/Roles