DoD Architecture Framework Overview

Architecture vs. Design:
System Architecture is used to:
1. Make buy decisions
2. Discriminate between options
3. “Discover” the true requirements
4. Drive one or more systems to a common “use” or purpose

System Design is used to:
1. Develop system components
2. Build the system
3. Understand configuration changes as the system is modified

“An architecture framework is a tool… It should 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 should contain a set of tools and provide a common vocabulary. It should also include a list of recommended standards and compliant products that can be used to implement the building blocks.” [TOGAF 8, OpenGroup]