Defining architectural principles
The Open Group defines architectural principles as general rules and guidelines, intended to be enduring and seldom amended, that inform and support the way in which an organization sets about fulfilling its mission. In turn, principles may be just one element in a structured set of ideas that collectively define and guide the organization, from values through to actions and results.
The Open Group also defines a standard way of defining the architectural principles, which consist of the following:
- Name of the principle: A small phrase that is easy to remember and captures the essence of the rule.
- Statement about the principle: Something that conveys the essence of the principle unambiguously.
- Rationale: Why has the principle been defined in the first place? What business benefit will it bring?
- Implications: What are the associated costs or tasks that need to be completed in order to fulfill the principle. It may also capture the risks of not adhering to the...