Concept: Reference Architecture |
An architecture that has already been created for a particular domain of interest.
Relationships
Related Elements | Detail Component Model Envision the Architecture Outline Component Model Reusable Asset Software Architecture
Main Description
A reference architecture is an architecture that has already been created for a particular domain of interest. It takes the form of one or more architectural patterns, partially or completely instantiated, designed and proven for use in context, with supporting artifacts to enable their use. A reference architecture is part of an organization's reusable asset base. Its purpose is to form a starting point for architectural development. Its scope may range from a ready-made architectural pattern, to an architectural mechanism or framework, to a complete system (with known characteristics, proven in use). It may be applicable generally for a broad class of systems spanning domains, or it may have a narrower domain-specific focus. A reference architecture exhibits the same characteristics as any other architecture, but has some important differences: It is stripped of project-specific references, or makes project references and characteristics generic. It does not typically have a physical manifestation. It is simply documentation, often in the form of models. It might include references to implemented reusable components, but you typically use just the conceptual or logical parts of the architecture. It is often incomplete. It contains gaps that you must fill before it represents a complete definition of your system's architecture. Reference architectures come in many different forms, reflecting the many different interpretations of architecture. They may, for example, be technology-independent or technology-specific. Examples of reference architectures include a financial services reference architecture, the Java™ 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE) architecture, and the Microsoft® .NET architecture.
More Information
Concepts | Architectural Mechanism Architectural Pattern Pattern Reusable Asset Software Architecture
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