Architectural Element

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Discussion

An architectural element identifies a defined construct within the Reference Architecture (RA).

An architectural element has assigned responsibilities and relationships. These responsibilities and relationships support architectural analysis, Traceability, conformance evaluation, and implementation mapping.

An architectural element differs from an implementation component. The Reference Architecture (RA) defines the element's architectural meaning and role independently of any selected technology, product, language, or deployment platform.

Definition

defined construct within the Reference Architecture (RA) having specified responsibilities and relationships

Source

Structured Information Processing Reference Architecture (RA)

Note

An architectural element provides a stable unit for architectural description, Traceability, and conformance analysis.

Example

A Control Plane, Data Plane, Attachment Point, Conformance Point, or architectural governance layer is an architectural element to which the Reference Architecture (RA) assigns responsibilities and relationships.

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