ADM Techniques

Architecture Principles should address the following purposes:

• Enabling decision-making
• Aligning the enterprise
• Ensuring Governance
• Understanding Values and culture

Architecture Principles Template

Element	Description
Name	Should represent the essence of the rule, and be memorable Should not mention specific technology platforms Should avoid ambiguous words
Statement	Should succinctly and unambiguously communicate the fundamental rule
Rationale	Should highlight the business benefits of adhering to the principle, using business terminology Should describe the relationship to other principles
Implications	Should highlight the requirements for the business and for IT for carrying out the principle Should state the business impact and consequences of adopting the principle

Qualities of Architecture Principles

Understandable

The underlying tenets can be quickly grasped and understood by individuals throughout the organization.

The intention of the principle is clear and unambiguous, so that violations, whether intentional or not, are minimized

Robust

Enable good quality decisions about architectures and plans to be made, and enforceable policies and standards to be created.

Each principle should be sufficiently definitive and precise to support consistent decision-making in complex, potentially controversial situations

Complete

Every potentially important principle governing the management of information and technology for the organization is defined — the principles cover every situation perceived

Consistent

Strict adherence to one principle may require a loose interpretation of another principle.

The set of principles must be expressed in a way that allows a balance of interpretations.

Principles should not be contradictory to the point where adhering to one principle would violate the spirit of another.

Every word in a principle statement should be carefully chosen to allow consistent yet flexible interpretation

Stable

Principles should be enduring, yet able to accommodate changes.

An amendment process should be established for adding, removing, or altering principles after they are ratified initially.

Business Scenarios

A method used to help identify and understand the business requirements that an architecture must address