A reference architecture in the field of software architecture or enterprise architecture provides a template solution for an architecture for a particular domain. It also provides a common vocabulary with which to discuss implementations, often with the aim to stress commonality. A software reference architecture is a software architecture[1] where the structures and respective elements and relations provide templates for concrete architectures in a particular domain or in a family of software systems.
An implementation of a reference architecture is called a framework or an application platform.
A reference architecture often consists of a list of functions and some indication of their interfaces (or APIs) and interactions with each other and with functions located outside of the scope of the reference architecture.
Reference architectures can be defined at different levels of abstraction. A highly abstract one might show different pieces of equipment on a communications network, each providing different functions. A lower level one might demonstrate the interactions of procedures (or methods) within a computer program defined to perform a very specific task.
A reference architecture provides a template, often based on the generalization of a set of solutions. These solutions may have been generalized and structured for the depiction of one or more architecture structures based on the harvesting of a set of patterns that have been observed in a number of successful implementations. Further it shows how to compose these parts together into a solution. Reference Architectures will be instantiated for a particular domain or for specific projects.
Adopting a reference architecture within an organization accelerates delivery through the re-use of an effective solution and provides a basis for governance to ensure the consistency and applicability of technology use within an organization. In the field of software architecture, many empirical studies have shown the following common benefits and drawbacks from adopting a software reference architecture within organizations: (a) improvement of the interoperability of the software systems by establishing a standard solution and common mechanisms for information exchange; (b) reduction of the development costs of software projects through the reuse of common assets; (c) improvement of the communication inside the organization because stakeholders share the same architectural mindset; and, (d) influencing the learning curve of developers due to the need of learning its features.[2]
^
Clements, Paul; Felix Bachmann; Len Bass; David Garlan; James Ivers; Reed Little; Paulo Merson; Robert Nord; Judith Stafford (2010). Documenting Software Architectures: Views and Beyond, Second Edition. Boston: Addison-Wesley. ISBN 978-0-321-55268-6.
^Martinez-Fernandez, Silverio; Medeiros Dos Santos, Paulo Sergio; Ayala, Claudia P.; Franch, Xavier; Travassos, Guilherme H. (2015). "Aggregating Empirical Evidence about the Benefits and Drawbacks of Software Reference Architectures". 2015 ACM/IEEE International Symposium on Empirical Software Engineering and Measurement (ESEM). pp. 1–10. doi:10.1109/ESEM.2015.7321184. hdl:2117/80457. ISBN 978-1-4673-7899-4. S2CID 8252919.
and 28 Related for: Reference architecture information
A referencearchitecture in the field of software architecture or enterprise architecture provides a template solution for an architecture for a particular...
Purdue Enterprise ReferenceArchitecture (PERA), or the Purdue model, is a 1990s reference model for enterprise architecture, developed by Theodore J....
Generalised Enterprise ReferenceArchitecture and Methodology (GERAM) is a generalised enterprise architecture framework for enterprise integration and...
Reference models. Business reference model Open System Environment Reference Model Referencearchitecture "OASIS SOA Reference Model". OASIS SOA Technical...
term, Design ReferenceArchitecture (DRA), refers to the entire sequences of missions and supporting infrastructure. These are a reference baseline studies...
Power Architecture Platform Reference (PAPR) is an initiative from Power.org to make a new open computing platform based on Power ISA processors. It follows...
In the business sector, business architecture is a discipline[citation needed] that "represents holistic, multidimensional business views of: capabilities...
A federal enterprise architecture framework (FEAF) is the U.S. reference enterprise architecture of a federal government. It provides a common approach...
This is a timeline of architecture, indexing the individual year in architecture pages. Notable events in architecture and related disciplines including...
Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process...
An enterprise architecture framework (EA framework) defines how to create and use an enterprise architecture. An architecture framework provides principles...
The Software Communications ArchitectureReference Implementation (SCARI) is an implementation of the US Military's Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS)...
Oracle Fusion Architecture is a technology referencearchitecture or blueprint from Oracle Corporation for building applications. Oracle Fusion Applications...
engineering a business reference model is part of an Enterprise Architecture Framework or Architecture Framework. An Enterprise Architecture Framework defines...
business architectures as well as to improve business performance and productivity. Additionally, the Federal Enterprise Architecture'sreference guide aids...
The OASIS Reference Model for Service Oriented Architecture (SOA-RM) is an abstract framework for understanding significant entities and relationships...
Scholarly references on Islamic architecture often refer to this architectural tradition in terms such as architecture of the Islamic West or architecture of...
This page is a glossary of architecture. Contents Top A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Z See also Notes References Abacus A flat slab forming...
others (link) Zimmermann, Hubert (April 1980). "OSI Reference Model — The ISO Model of Architecture for Open Systems Interconnection". IEEE Transactions...
Gothic architecture is an architectural style that was prevalent in Europe from the late 12th to the 16th century, during the High and Late Middle Ages...
In operating systems architecture a reference monitor concept defines a set of design requirements on a reference validation mechanism, which enforces...
Classical architecture usually denotes architecture which is more or less consciously derived from the principles of Greek and Roman architecture of classical...
New Classical architecture, New Classicism or Contemporary Classical architecture is a contemporary movement in architecture that continues the practice...
develop the IDS referencearchitecture model and certification procedures based on industry requirements. The IDSA referencearchitecture model, defines...
Romanesque architecture is an architectural style of medieval Europe that was predominant in the 11th and 12th centuries. The style eventually developed...
Global Information