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Department of Defense Architecture Framework

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DoDAF - The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Architecture Framework.

DoDAF is arguably the leading and most advanced methodology for enterprise architecture (EA). It's maturity is considered on a par with The Open Group's Architectural Framework (TOGAF) and superceding in maturity the Zachman framework. DoDAF was formerly named C4ISR AF (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance). Frameworks based on DoDAF include NAF and MODAF. DoDAF defines a series of architectural views and work products. The aim of EA is to identify required but missing capabilities that can then be built or bought. While the metholody is clearly aimed at military systems, it has broad applicability across the private, public and voluntary sectors involved in computers around the world. As a methodology it is especially suited to large systems with complex integration and interoperability challenges. It is administered by the DoDAF Working Group.

Views are delivered as work products and are organised into the following four groups: 

 ** All view (AV) products
  • 'Overview and Summary Information' (AV-1) is the most overview product in the documentation set.
 ** Operational view (OV) Products
  • 'High-Level Operational Concept Graphic' (OV-1)
 ** Systems view (SV) products?
  • 'Systems Interface Description' (SV-1)
 ** Technical standards view (TV) product
  • 'Technical Standards Profile' (TV-1)

Repository. Like other EA approaches (particularly TOGAF), DoDAF is organised around a shared repository to hold work products. The repository is defined by the DoD data schema (CADM) and the DoD Architecture Repository System (DARS).

Interoperability. A key feature of DoDAF is ineroperability which is organised as a series of levels, called Levels of Information System Interoperability (LISI). Any project not only has to meet its own user requirements, but also has to meet interoperability requirements.

Tools. Popkin System Architect is a tool that handles DoDAF models. Telelogic Enterprise Architect is another tool in this space. A challenge in architectural modeling is that multiple views are required and all views need to be kept in synch with each other. A tool can save time in propagating changes from view to view.

Versions and Timeline.

    • Version 1.0 was released in October 2003, DODAF supplanting C4ISR.
    • February 2004. Release of 'Definitions and Guidelines' (87 pages) and 'Product Descriptions' (254 pages)


Future Direction.

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