Architecture building blocks

Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs) relate to the Architecture Continuum (The Architecture Continuum), and are defined or selected as a result of the application of the ADM.

Characteristics

ABBs:

• Define what functionality will be implemented
• Capture business and technical requirements
• Are technology aware
• Direct and guide the development of SBBs

Specification Content

ABB specifications include the following as a minimum:

• Fundamental functionality and attributes: semantic, unambiguous, including security capability and manageability
• Interfaces: chosen set, supplied (APIs, data formats, protocols, hardware interfaces, standards)
• Dependent building blocks with required functionality and named user interfaces
• Map to business/organizational entities and policies

Solution building blocks

Solution Building Blocks (SBBs) relate to the Solutions Continuum (The Solutions Continuum), and may be either procured or developed.

Characteristics

SBBs:

• Define what products and components will implement the functionality
• Define the implementation
• Fulfil business requirements
• Are product or vendor-aware

Specification Content

SBB specifications include the following as a minimum:

• Specific functionality and attributes
• Interfaces; the implemented set
• Required SBBs used with required functionality and names of the interfaces used
• Mapping from the SBBs to the IT topology and operational policies
• Specifications of attributes shared across the environment (not to be confused with functionality) such as security, manageability, localizability, scalability
• Performance, configurability
• Design drivers and constraints, including the physical architecture
• Relationships between SBBs and ABBs.