Enterprise architecture framework

An Architecture Framework is a specification of how to organise and present an Enterprise Architecture. Because Enterprise Architecture is such an all-encompassing discipline, and because the enterprises it describes are often large, it can result in very complex models. To manage this complexity, an Architecture Framework defines a standard set of model categories (called “Views” ) which each have a specific purpose. These views are often categorised by the domain they cover – e.g. operational / business, technical. Some of the larger Architecture Frameworks define categories of views in terms of the domain they address - e.g. "business", "technical", "information", etc.

An Architecture Framework may also identify elements of this information that will be mandatory to produce within the enterprise or to act as a guide to which types of information may be of most value in analysing aspects of an Enterprise Architecture. The AF usually takes the form of a set of standard Viewpoints and Views on the enterprise.