xAF

The Extreme Architecture Framework (XAF) is a lightweight and pragmatic approach to enterprise architecture that presents a unified view of human activity and software systems from the perspectives of business, information, and technology. The XAF is designed to provide a clear and simple understanding of an organization’s architecture at different levels of abstraction, and to answer the questions that IT managers and CIOs most often ask about their responsibilities for managing and understanding the enterprise architecture.

The XAF is influenced by the ideas of Extreme Programming (XP) and emphasizes the importance of well-established best practices in software development. It is designed to strike a balance between architectural perfection and chaos, and it removes many of the roles contained in other enterprise architecture frameworks while keeping the architectural perspectives that are accepted by others.

In terms of defining architecture, the XAF draws on the definition provided by retired architect Ean MacDonald, who described architectural design as the simultaneous resolution and solution of various architectural problems. This definition notes that architecture provides both functional design and aesthetic appeal. The XAF also draws on the metaphor that equates buildings with software systems and urban landscapes with enterprises.

Overall, the XAF is a unique and innovative approach to enterprise architecture that emphasizes pragmatism and lightweight design while providing a unified view of human activity and software systems. It is designed to be easy to understand and implement, and it is informed by the best practices of both enterprise architecture and software development.

The xAF (Extreme Architecture Framework) category includes articles and documents related to the lightweight and pragmatic approach to enterprise architecture developed by consultant-educators. The xAF presents a unified view of human activity and software systems from the perspectives of business, information, and technology, and it aims to strike a balance between architectural perfection and the chaos that can occur in the absence of architecture.

This category includes resources that explore the key concepts and principles of the xAF, as well as its practical application in real-world settings. It also includes case studies and examples of organizations that have successfully implemented the xAF, and it provides guidance for IT managers and CIOs who are looking to understand and manage their enterprise architecture responsibilities using this approach.

Overall, the xAF category is designed to provide IT professionals with the information and tools they need to implement a lightweight and pragmatic approach to enterprise architecture that can help to reduce operating costs, improve the alignment of IT architecture and business architecture, and provide new opportunities for product and service offerings.