what constitutes architecture?

Recent discussions have raised issues on the completeness and normative status of the models in the RAF. Frank’s assertion is: "The bottom line is an essay or a white paper is not architecture." I would like to explore that.

- We agreed that the architecture would follow the views and viewpoints of IEEE-1471. IEEE-1471 mentions Architecture Products but it does not specify what these products must be.

- We agreed to create UML models, but this was our decision and not based on a level of conformance with some other specification.

- Most architecture documents with which I often deal are mostly essay and white paper with a few diagrams thrown in. Our work is already orders of magnitude more precise than almost all the alternatives.

It would appear that UML diagrams are a tool for us, and the higher level of expression was our choice and not a recognized external requirement. There are places, such as the testing section, that were vetted over a period of weeks and where adding additional models was one of many action items that got lost. A question now is whether the effort required to add models will significantly enhance the current content or whether the effort is best used elsewhere.

Thus, I suggest we not be diverted by a false exercise in consistency of representation and rather concentrate on the primary challenge: a clear, concise exposition of a SOA Reference Architecture. If we wish to complete this project in our lifetimes, we do not have the luxury of refining areas that have been stable for years.

Ken

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Kenneth Laskey

MITRE Corporation, M/S H305 phone: 703-983-7934

7515 Colshire Drive fax: 703-983-1379

McLean VA 22102-7508

soa-rm-ra message