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Outlining the SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework

Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

Describe the scope of SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework
Explain the pillars of the SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework
Find additional information on the SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework

The Pillars of the Enterprise Architecture Framework

Welcome to the self-guided journey, "Exploring SAP Enterprise Architecture (EA) Methodology Foundation."

Enterprise Architecture, or EA, is an architecture discipline - used to align an organization's business and IT strategies, and the SAP Enterprise Architecture (EA) Framework provides all the ingredients to guide organizations in this alignment, to succeed in business transformations and to establish efficient enterprise architecture practices.

Now, let's explore the SAP EA Framework.

The SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework consists of five pillars: Methodology, Reference Architecture Content, Tooling and Services.

The SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework is depicted as a circular diagram divided into five equal segments. At the center, the core is labeled SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework. Radiating from this center, each segment represents a distinct pillar of the framework. The five pillars—Methodology, Reference Architecture Content, Tooling, Practice, and Services—are arranged equidistantly around the circle, emphasizing how each contributes integrally to the framework as a whole.

The Pillars of the SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework

Now, let's explore the SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework.

SAP Enterprise Architecture Methodology

The SAP Enterprise Architecture (EA) Methodology offers you a common approach to Enterprise Architecture across the whole Software Lifecycle including business architecture, solution discovery, portfolio planning, service delivery, and innovation and growth in the Customer Value Journey.

The SAP EA Methodology supports enterprise architects, for example, to initiate projects, define target and transition architectures, drive implementation, and support continuous transformation. The SAP EA Methodology is based on proven industry standards such as TOGAF®, BPMN™, UML®, and APQC® and is broadly adopted across SAP.

You’ll learn about Enterprise Architecture artifacts, which are typical architecture work products following defined notations based on agreed Enterprise Architecture concepts. You will also learn about Enterprise Architecture practices that introduce techniques leveraging these artifacts to create value along the entire software lifecycle.

Reference Architecture Content

Reference Architecture Content from SAP comprises exemplary Reference Business Architectures and recommended Reference Solution Architectures curated by SAP experts. These are designed to offer you integrated processes and will give you a jump start on your architecture work. Reference Architectures serve as a guide and provide foundational elements for customer-specific adjustments – in compliance with the artifacts and principles specified by the SAP EA Methodology.

Tooling

Efficient Tooling for Enterprise Architecture practitioners is vital for the success of Enterprise Architecture (EA) work. SAP provides various EA tools that leverage the provided Reference Architecture Content and the SAP EA Methodology to support proven practices and to deliver a consistent user experience and clear communication.

Enterprise Architecture Practices

An Enterprise Architecture Practice is the organizational implementation of Enterprise Architecture. It operates an enterprise architecture within the organization, by adopting the SAP Enterprise Architecture Methodology and establishing governance processes including change management process for the framework. The SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework provides assistance to establish efficient Enterprise Architecture practices.

Enterprise Architecture Services

SAP offers Enterprise Architecture (EA) services that support transformation projects, help clients build their own EA capabilities and EA practices, and enable customer employees to perform typical architecture roles.

This covers the key pillars of the SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework. In each lesson, we explain them further.

Additional Resources

Would you like to learn more about the SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework? Take your time and explore these additional resources.

SAP Enterprise Architecture Community
Join our community to contribute to and expand the collective knowledge of Enterprise Architecture.
SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework Blog
Delve into insights and thoughts about the framework from leading experts in enterprise architecture.
SAP Intelligent Enterprise Architecture Foundation Course
Enhance your skills with our instructor-led training course on Enterprise Architecture.
SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework@ SAP Help portal
Visit our Help Portal for detailed and comprehensive information on the SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework.

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