====== Architectural Element ======

[[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:start|Go up to Terms and Definitions]]

===== Discussion =====

An architectural element identifies a defined construct within the [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:r:reference_architecture]].

An architectural element has assigned responsibilities and relationships. These responsibilities and relationships support architectural analysis, [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:traceability]], [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:c:conformance_model|conformance evaluation]], and implementation mapping.

An architectural element differs from an implementation component. The [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:r:reference_architecture]] defines the element's architectural meaning and role independently of any selected technology, product, language, or deployment platform.

===== Definition =====

//defined construct within the [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:r:reference_architecture]] having specified responsibilities and relationships//

===== Source =====

Structured Information Processing [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:r:reference_architecture]]

===== Note =====

An architectural element provides a stable unit for architectural description, [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:t:traceability]], and [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:c:conformance_model|conformance analysis]].

===== Example =====

A [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:c:control_plane]], [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:d:data_plane]], [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:a:attachment_point]], [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:c:conformance_point]], or [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:a:architectural_governance_layer|architectural governance layer]] is an architectural element to which the [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:r:reference_architecture]] assigns responsibilities and relationships.

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