Enterprise Architecture and Cloud Architecture Frameworks

Enterprise Architecture Frameworks

An enterprise architecture framework is a collection of processes and tools used to plan and build enterprise-level application architecture. Along with the conceptual blueprint of an enterprise architecture, the specific purpose of a framework is to help architects, designers, and engineers understand the logical structure and component relationships that define that system.

It usually separates an architecture into layers, architectural views, or domains based on the underlying application logic. Since there are many types of enterprise architecture designs to be implemented, the benefits become more apparent as the complexity and diversity of the architecture increases.

EA framework tools are often cited as an important resource for companies pursuing digital transformation initiatives that foster a strong vendor market targeting this aspect of software development. Ardoq and SAP PowerDesigner are examples of providers that aim to streamline the framework implementation and management process.

EA framework components

There are three key components that make up the creation of an enterprise architecture framework:

· A description of the architecture outlining the procedures surrounding document creation and access;

· A design method that specifies the steps that architects must follow when creating an architectural model; And

· A record of the level of technical knowledge, niche competencies and overall experience held by those involved, and a record of key skill gaps that need to be addressed.

· Alongside the FDIC’s IT Governance Framework is the FDIC Enterprise Architecture Framework, which focuses mainly on defining and documenting information security-related roles and responsibilities.

· The Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) is a framework created to support software development initiatives within the US military and federal government.

How to implement an EA framework?

To successfully implement an enterprise architecture framework, each enterprise stakeholder must be able to understand the architecture from their own perspective in the organization. To do this, software teams must adhere to these six key implementation steps:

· Define the overarching goals and context of the architecture, as well as the degree of management complexity its dependencies will bring.

· Become familiar with established framework models (discussed below) and choose those that align with the organization’s current culture and business goals.

· Determine how introducing a particular framework will affect application development needs or future change requests by the business.

· Define and document specific business rules that will act as architectural constraints.

· Create visual models and diagrams that provide transparent and accessible information about the architecture, its critical features, and the various software projects it covers.

· Unify the architecture by integrating the various components of the framework with the organization’s existing application components, databases, and development workflows.

EA framework types

The type of EA framework used will differ depending on the type of enterprise architecture chosen. Some of these enjoy wide use in the software industry as de facto standards for framework implementation, while others are closely associated with more specialized initiatives.

Some of these frameworks that are considered industry-wide standards include:

· Zachman Framework , often used to define and standardize what components and processes should be used to develop an IT architecture .

· The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF ) is a popular framework designed to help software engineers help software engineers support business goals, maintain timelines, stay on budget, and increase architectural durability.

· (O -AA) , another standard developed by The Open Group for self-driving software teams largely tasked with bringing both Agile and digital transformation initiatives to life .

Other custom frame types include:

· European Space Agency Architectural Framework aimed at facilitating the systems engineering system for the internet of space.

· of TOGAF , has been calibrated to easily integrate the framework with SAP-based platforms and tools.

· The ISO 19439 Framework, which sets out the guiding concepts surrounding consistency, convergence, and interoperability for the various modeling methodologies an organization uses.

· Alongside the FDIC’s IT Governance Framework is the FDIC Enterprise Architecture Framework, which focuses mainly on defining and documenting information security-related roles and responsibilities.

· The Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) is a framework created to support software development initiatives within the US military and federal government.

Cloud Architecture Frameworks

Cloud architecture is a way to efficiently, securely and cost-effectively fulfill both business and technical requirements related to the cloud. Frameworks provide an outline for meeting the organization’s goals and objectives. Cloud architecture frameworks provide guidelines and tools for how to build and integrate various services in the cloud.

Depending on the cloud service provider and workload in the industry, the types of frameworks are:

Reference Architectures

· Cloud provider agnostic frameworks.

· It provides plans, best practices, architectural models, and recommendations for building cloud solutions.

Cloud-Specific Frameworks

· Vendor specific frame.

· The focus is mostly on the services offered by the provider and how they can be integrated to meet the CORPS (discussed later in this blog).

· Some of the popular ones are AWS Well-Architected Framework, Google Cloud Architecture Framework, and Microsoft Azure Well-Architected It is Framework .

Industry-Specific Frameworks

· Health, finance, e-commerce etc. directed to a particular industry, such as

· These frameworks often contain industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements, as well as best practices for implementing cloud solutions in these industries.

Hybrid Frames

· These frameworks are for hybrid cloud models where data and applications span on-premises and cloud platforms.

· They provide instructions on how to build hybrid cloud solutions.

Popular Cloud Architecture Frameworks

Reference Architecture

· NIST SP-500–292: NIST — Special Publication (NIST SP) — 500–292

· ISO/IEC 17789:2014 — Information technology — Cloud computing — Reference architecture

Cloud-Specific Frameworks

· AWS Well-Architected Framework

· Google Cloud Architecture Framework

· Microsoft Azure Good Architecture Framework

Common Columns/Categories across all 3 major public cloud architectures

All 3 major public cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) provide architectural guidance in the form of frameworks and architecture hubs. After analyzing them, these are the common pillars (categories) that architecture should have when building solutions in the cloud.

System Design : Cloud solutions downtime, number of users, etc. parameters are taken into account. This is the base column on which all other columns depend.

Cost Optimization : Cost management is a very important factor in the cloud. It can lead to huge losses if not properly planned and designed. Therefore, look for lower-cost services that meet the needs of the organization.

Operational Excellence : This column covers workloads in the cloud, network, etc. It’s about making sure processes are in place to monitor.

Reliability : This foundation ensures that solutions built in the cloud are reliable in the sense that they are highly available, minimize downtime, and recover quickly from an incident.

Performance : This column discusses the speed and responsiveness of requests in the cloud. It also recommends using load balancing processes to handle large numbers of requests without slowing down the response.

Security : Security is one of the important pillars that provides guidelines for applying control to virtual networks, workload, and data stored in the cloud.

Solution

The specific skills used by enterprise and cloud architects on the job may differ depending on the company they work for and the products or services the company offers. However, there are some similarities between the two roles. Both enterprise and cloud architects need strong technical skills and an understanding of complex systems. They also both need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of their teams, with customers.

One of the main differences between enterprise architects and cloud architects is that enterprise architects typically need to have a more in-depth understanding of business concepts and processes, while cloud architects need to have a more thorough understanding of cloud computing technologies. Another difference is that enterprise architects usually work on long-term projects, while cloud architects can focus on shorter-term initiatives.

Enterprise architecture will be more beneficial for comprehensive projects and companies that go step by step. In this way, the staff will understand the processes and have an idea.