Phase B: Baseline Description

Objective    Approach     Inputs     Steps    Outputs

Objective

The objective of this phase is to build a high level description of the characteristics of the current system. This is necessary as the description documents the starting point for architectural development, and lists the interoperability issues that the final architecture will have to take into account.

Approach

The best approach is to describe the system in terms already used within the organization. A reliable picture can be built up of the business functions served and the platforms that support those functions. Use existing material as much as possible. Gather and analyze only that information that allows informed decisions to be made regarding the target architecture.

It is important to build a complete picture without going into unnecessary detail.

Inputs

The inputs to this phase are:

• Request for Architecture Work
• Statement of Architecture Work
• Business Architecture - Version 1
• Re-usable Solutions Building Blocks (from organization's Solutions Continuum, if available)

Steps

Key steps in this phase include:

1. Identify existing technology in a brainstorming session specifically set-up to identify re-usable assets
2. Brainstorm candidate architecture building blocks in a discovery session and document  

Outputs

The essential outputs from this activity are:

• Business Architecture - Version 2

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