An Architecture Building Block (ABB) is a reusable component that represents a capability requirement, specification, or standard that can be used to construct enterprise architectures. ABBs serve as conceptual elements that architects can assemble to create comprehensive architectural models across business, data, application, and technology domains.
ABBs operate at a higher level of abstraction than Solution Building Blocks (SBBs), which implement ABBs with specific technologies or products. This distinction is crucial—ABBs define “what” capabilities are needed, while SBBs specify “how” those capabilities will be realized. For example, an “Identity Management” ABB might be implemented through a specific identity provider platform as an SBB.
In practice, ABBs form the cornerstone of modular architecture development, enabling organizations to maintain consistency across multiple initiatives while accommodating unique requirements. Enterprise and solution architects leverage ABBs to accelerate architecture development, ensure alignment with enterprise standards, and promote reuse across business units. They typically document ABBs in architecture repositories with clear specifications including functional requirements, quality attributes, interdependencies, and governance considerations.
For CIOs and CTOs, ABBs provide a mechanism to balance standardization with flexibility. By defining a catalog of approved ABBs, organizations can guide technology choices while still allowing teams latitude in implementation. This approach is particularly valuable in large enterprises where decentralized IT functions need coherence without excessive constraints.
Mature architecture practices maintain ABB libraries organized by domains and capability areas, with each ABB having clear ownership, lifecycle management processes, and evolution plans as business needs and technologies change. This structured approach ensures architectural decisions remain strategic rather than reactive.
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