2                          Definitions

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply. The TOGAF framework [4] should be referenced for Enterprise Architecture-related terms not defined in this section. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (11^th Edition) should be referenced for all other terms not defined in this section.

Any conflict between definitions described here and the TOGAF framework is unintentional. If the definition of a term is specific to the ArchiMate modeling language, and a general definition is defined by the TOGAF framework, then this is noted in the definition.

2.1                    ArchiMate Core Framework

A reference structure used to classify elements of the ArchiMate core language. It consists of three layers and three aspects,

Note: The ArchiMate Core Framework is defined in detail in Section 3.4.

2.2                    ArchiMate Core Language

The central part of the ArchiMate language that defines the concepts and relationships to model Enterprise Architectures. It includes three layers: Business, Application, and Technology.

2.3                    Aspect

Classification of elements based on layer-independent characteristics related to the concerns of different stakeholders. Used for positioning elements in the ArchiMate metamodel. See also Section 2.6.

Note: Aspects are described in Section 3.4.

2.4                    Attribute

A property associated with an ArchiMate language element or relationship.

2.5                    Concept

Either an element or a relationship. See also Section 2.10 and Section 2.12.

Note: The top-level language structure is defined in detail in Section 3.2.

2.6                    Conformance

Fulfillment of specified requirements.

2.7                    Conforming Implementation

An implementation which satisfies the conformance requirements defined by the conformance clause of this standard. See Section 1.3.

2.8                    Core Element

A structure or behavior element in one of the core layers of the ArchiMate language.

Note: Core elements are described in detail in Section 4.1.

2.9                    Composite Element

An element consisting of other elements from multiple aspects or layers of the language.

2.10                Element

Basic unit in the ArchiMate metamodel. Used to define and describe the constituent parts of Enterprise Architectures and their unique set of characteristics.

2.11                Layer

An abstraction of the ArchiMate framework at which an enterprise can be modeled.

2.12                Model

A collection of concepts in the context of the ArchiMate language structure.

Note: The top-level language structure is defined in detail in Section 3.2.

For a general definition of model, see the TOGAF framework [4].

2.13                Relationship

A connection between a source and target concept. Classified as structural, dependency, dynamic, or other.

Note: Relationships are defined in detail in Chapter 5.

Downloads

Downloads of the ArchiMate documentation, are available under license from the ArchiMate information web site. The license is free to any organization wishing to use ArchiMate entirely for internal purposes. A book is also available (in hardcopy and pdf) from The Open Group Bookstore as document C162.