The Four Dimensions

The Four Dimensions The Enterprise Architecture describes the business but is also a part of the business. Therefore the architecture can be described within the architecture in terms of it’s models, data, processes, etc. However in explaining the architecture at an overview level, this gives rise to problems of recursion which detract from clear communication. Therefore a simple framework is presented to give an indication of the aspects of the architecture that must be covered in it’s creation. This framework is called the 4 dimensions of Enterprise Architecture.

Form The form in which the architecture presents itself. In other words the set of models, and connections between models that comprise the architecture. This is in fact the meta-model of the architecture. Content The business content of the models when they are populated. This is the essence, the meat of the architecture. The content is presented in the form. Method The methods and techniques whereby the architecture is created and maintained. Infrastructure The technology support for the architecture, e.g. CASE tools, repository managers, etc.