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Building block

Statement A building block is a defined and recognizable architectural concept that meets an information provision need. Description A building block is described in this document an abstract concept that has been developed into three concrete specializations: service, ABB and SBB. Within our definitions, building blocks are seen as synonymous with an architectural pattern. The three specializations have a hierarchy. In our model, a service is the highest level of abstraction, within which Architecture building blocks are recognized which are implemented by one or more solutions building blocks. An important characteristic of building blocks is that they can be composed. This composition can be done in two ways:
  • A building block is a composition of building blocks of the same specialization (for example a service is composed of one or more subservices)
  • A building block is served by a composition of one or more building blocks from the underlying layer (for example a service is realized by multiple behavioral elements in an ABB.
  • Composite building blocks are seen as synonymous with an architectural pattern within our definitions.
The composition of the specializations is developed for the specializations of the building blocks. The composition within building blocks can consist of several layers. However, it is desirable that the number of levels of building blocks within a specialization (Service, ABB or SBB ) remains limited. If a catalog becomes too complex due to the number of layers and building blocks, it is better to split a catalog. Features
  • A building block has a defined boundary and is recognizable as a specific architectural concept.
  • A building block is reusable.
  • A building block is loosely coupled.
  • A building block can interact with one or more other building blocks of different types.
  • A building block is part of a catalogue.
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  • Template for a delivery that meets a combination of requirements and wishes.
  • A building block can consist of other building blocks and therefore becomes a composite building block.< /li>
  • A building block can be part of a composition (composite building block).
  • Building blocks can be recursive and in that case they are composed.

I'm special so not for me

You regularly see in architecture teams that a number of architects do not find it necessary to participate in an architecture repository initiative. This is an anti-pattern and will prevent acceptance of a repository-based method at some point. Try to prevent this as much as possible.

Pattern

A technique for putting building blocks into context; for example, to describe a re-usable solution to a problem.

Patterns

Reference architectures

The Reference Library provides guidelines, templates, patterns, and other forms of reference material that can be used to accelerate the creation of new architectures for the enterprise.

t_umlpattern

Enterprise Architect as tool for a Data Platform

Many organisations are investigating the possibilities of Big Data solutions, for example the Dutch and German Electricity Transport System Operator TenneT. Introducing Big Data is new and traditional approaches are of limited use. Think about introducing data-lab functionalities, innovative and agile approaches, new technologies like NoSql or Hadoop. How are you going to support these activities in an organisation as an architect and how can Enterprise Architect support you in adding architectural value. In this session we will discuss a reference architecture for the TenneT Data Platforms, modelling techniques, architectural patterns and agile approaches all supported by the use of Enterprise Architect. You will see examples of big data patterns, solutions and templates based on ArchiMate.

Integration viewpoint

Goal : Providing insight into links between the application and the patterns used from the reference architecture. System integration. Obliged : Only in the case that a link between applications must be established and this does not fit in the previously mentioned application view. An integration view can be realized by copying the chosen integration pattern from the reference architecture and then providing the implementation in application components, interfaces, etc.