According to the DoD Integrated Architecture Panel, architecture is the structure of components, their relationships, and the principles and guidelines governing their design and evolution over time. Architecture should involve several points-of-view, as seen in Figure 1. There are four main views in the core architecture data model: Operational View, System/Services View, Technical Standards View, and All-View. Much like four people can give different (but still accurate) descriptions of the same event, these views each provide a unique eye when looking at system architecture.
Figure 1
The operational view states what needs to be done and by who. Included in this view is a high level operational concept. The operational view is concerned with:
? Operational nodes: activities at and connections between nodes
? Tasks and activities performed: task relationships, timing, and coordination
? Information to be exchanged: types of exchange, frequency of exchange, tasks supported by exchanges, quality and quantity of exchange
The systems and services view describes systems, services, and characteristics and relates them to the operational needs. Typically involved in the systems and services view are descriptions of the following
? Interfaces
? Communications
? Functionality
? Evolution & future technology
? Activity sequence and timing
? Physical implementation
The technical standards view describes the standards and conventions used to ensure the system meets the specified operational requirements. T ...