Solution Architect Modeling Language

Focuses on using standardized modeling languages (such as ArchiMate) and the TOGAF framework to structure, design, and govern enterprise architectures across business, application, technology, and strategy domains.

What we cover

• Module 1: Basic Concepts and Definitions Enterprise Architecture (EA) Fundamentals: Aligning business strategy with IT operations across Business, Application, Information, and Technology layers. Core Modeling Concepts: Definitions of Models, Concepts, Elements, and Architecture Frameworks. Stakeholder Management: Identifying stakeholder concerns (CxOs, PMOs, HR, Security) and mapping Power/Interest grids. Language Support in EA: Establishing a common architectural vocabulary and standardization rules.
• Module 2: Language Structure Top-Level Hierarchies: Metamodel layering and abstraction levels (from M3 meta-metamodel down to M0 runtime instances). The Core Framework: Core Layers: Business, Application, and Technology. Core Aspects: Active Structure (Actors/Components), Behaviour (Processes/Services), and Passive Structure (Objects/Data). Cross-Layer Relationships: Serving relationships (how lower layers support upper layers) and Realisation relationships (how technical elements operationalize business objectives). Modelling Perspectives: External (Black-Box) vs. Internal (White-Box); Types vs. Instances; Conceptual vs. Logical vs. Physical. Visual Notation & Syntax: Element shapes, line styles, nesting rules, and color palettes.
• Module 3: Generic Metamodel Design Principles: Abstraction, modularity, encapsulation, and interoperability. Metamodel Elements: Active Structure elements and notations. Behaviour elements, activities, flow controls, state transitions, and business events. Passive Structure elements, data stores, and artifacts. Composite & Motivation Elements: Grouping mechanisms, Location elements, and linking business drivers to architecture.
• Module 4: Modelling Relationships Structural Relationships: Realisation, Assignment (roles/responsibilities), Aggregation (composition without shared lifecycle), and Composition (strong ownership/part-whole). Relationship Semantics: Directional vs. non-directional connectors, multiplicity, and dependency mapping. Relationship Review: Validating links, detecting gaps, removing redundancies, and conducting architecture impact analyses.
• Module 5: The Strategy Layer Strategic Metamodel: Mapping long-term business intent into the enterprise architecture. Core Strategy Elements: Resources (tangible and intangible structural assets). Capabilities (behavioural abilities required to execute strategies). Value Streams (end-to-end value creation activities). Courses of Action (planned strategic programs and directions). Strategic Integration: Connecting Strategy Elements with Motivation drivers and Core execution layers.
• Module 6: The Business Layer Active Structure Elements: Business Actors, Business Roles, Business Collaborations, and Business Interfaces. Behaviour Elements: Business Processes (Core, Support, Management), Business Events, Business Services, and Business Interactions. Passive Structure Elements: Business Objects, Information/Data assets, Representations, Contracts, and Composite Business Elements.
• Module 7: The Application Layer Active Structure Elements: Application Components (modular functional units) and Application Collaborations. Application Behaviour: Application Functions, Application Interactions, and Application Services. Passive Structure Elements: Data Objects (logical data models), Repositories, Configuration Items, and Artifacts.
• Module 8: Relationships Between Core Layers Cross-Layer Alignment: Aligning Business Processes with supporting Application Services. Aligning Application Components with underlying Technology Infrastructure (servers, cloud environments, networks). Layer Serving Models: How Technology serves Application, Application serves Business, and Data supports all layers. Derived Relationships: Applying derivation logic to trace dependencies across multiple core layers.
• Module 9: Modelling Transformation Implementation and Migration Metamodel: Modeling transition architectures and target architectures. Migration Lifecycle: Baseline architecture identification, Gap Analysis, work packages, and implementation roadmaps. Cross-Domain Dependencies: Managing data migration (ETL) and coordinating legacy phase-outs with new platform deployments.
• Module 10: Addressing Stakeholder Concerns with Architecture Views and Viewpoints Views vs. Viewpoints: Defining Viewpoints as templates/perspectives and Views as specific instances tailored to stakeholder groups. Viewpoint Content: Contextual elements, diagrams, performance metrics, risk assessments, and compliance information. TOGAF Alignment: Using standard viewpoints (Business, Data Flow, Software Engineering) to address specific stakeholder concerns.
• Module 11: Derivation of Relationships Derivation Mechanics: Deriving implicit relationships from chains of explicit connections. Derivation Classifications: Direct derivation vs. Indirect derivation. Derivation Constraints: Preventing circular dependencies, resolving relationship conflicts, and adhering to layer-specific rules.
• Module 12: Basic Viewpoints – Business Layer and Application Layer Organisation Viewpoint: Organisational hierarchy, units, governance models, and stakeholder alignments. Business Process Cooperation Viewpoint: Cross-departmental process integration, choreography, and end-to-end workflows. Product Viewpoint: Packaging business services, contracts, and value propositions for customer consumption. Application Cooperation Viewpoint: Application-to-application integration, message flows, APIs, and microservice interactions. Application Usage Viewpoint: Mapping how business actors and roles execute business processes using application interfaces.
• Module 13: Basic Viewpoints – Technology Layer Implementation and Deployment Viewpoint: Mapping software applications and artifacts onto physical hardware, virtual nodes, and network topographies. Technology Viewpoint: Modeling the physical/cloud infrastructure (bare-metal servers, storage, operating systems, and middleware). Technology Usage Viewpoint: Detailing how infrastructure services host, run, and scale application components.

Every session is customized to your organization's needs. The final agenda is confirmed with your facilitator before delivery.