Model-Based System Architecture, 2nd Edition

5Definition of System Architecture

Defining “architecture” appears to be rather difficult considering the large number of existing definitions. These definitions share some commonality, though in detail differences become obvious. Definitions from different domains are debated controversially. For instance, one can observe enterprise architects refusing to accept the definition by ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010:2011 [114] with the rationale that an enterprise is no software intensive system. Software intensive systems are mentioned in the scope of the standard IEEE Std 1471-2000 [120], a predecessor of the before mentioned ISO/IEC/IEEE standard. This ISO/IEC/IEEE standard approaches the topic in a more generic way compared to its predecessor. And the definition for “architecture” in TOGAF® version 9.2 [245] meanwhile includes that of ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010:2011. Searching the online browsing platform of ISO [119] for the exact term “architecture” in the area “Terms & Definitions” results in 50+ hits. Considering terms comprising the word “architecture,” such as “logical architecture,” the search results in 190+ hits. The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) of the Carnegie Mellon University published a collection of definitions [274]. Though the latter lists definitions of “software architecture,” it may serve as reference when defining “system architecture.”

This book can hardly provide a global accepted definition for “architecture.” Just adding another definition of architecture will not ...