Chapter 8: Business Architecture Models

The business architecture is the highest of the three core architecture layers in an enterprise. Many architects start their Enterprise Architecture (EA) practice at this layer, followed by the application layer, and then the technology layer.

The business architecture is often approached first because it traditionally occurs when the EA practice is defined and documented, with the intent to build the other layers around the business, which is a correct approach, and it keeps the business as the driver for changes. Additionally, TOGAF® has the business architecture as phase B of the Architecture Development Method (ADM), which guides its practitioners to have it in the early stages of the EA practice. However, due to the reasons that have been described in detail in Chapter 1, Enterprise Architecture and Its Practicality, one of the practical approaches that this book encourages is to start from any layer in the enterprise where there...