NATO Architecture Framework: Difference between revisions

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==NATO Architecture Framework==

The '''NATO Architecture Framework''' is an [[Enterprise Architecture framework]] by the [[NATO]] derived from the [[DoDAF]] [[Enterprise architecture]].

The aim of the [[NATO]] Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4)<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_157575.htm?selectedLocale=en| title = NATO - NATO Architecture Framework, Version 4}} </ref> is to provide a standard for developing and describing [[Enterprise Architecture|enterprise architectures]] for both military and business use. It provides a standardized way to develop architecture artifacts, by defining the following:

* '''Introduction''' – an overview of NAF, what it is and who uses it (Chapter 1)

The current NATO C3 System Architecture Framework v2 (NAF v2), issued by NATO in September 2004 provides guidance on describing communication and information systems. Revision 3 of the NATO Architecture Framework (NAF), promulgated in November 2007, is identical to [[MODAF]] at its core, but extends the framework by adding views for Bandwidth Analysis, SOA and standard configurations.

* '''Methodology''' – how to develop architectures and run an architecture project (Chapter 2)

* '''Viewpoints''' – conventions for the construction, interpretation and use of architecture views for communicating the enterprise architecture to different stakeholders (Chapter 3)

* '''Meta-Models''' – the application of commercial meta-models identified as compliant with NATO policy (Chapter 4)

* '''Glossary, References and Bibliography''' (Chapter 5)

The NATO Architecture Framework v4 (NAFv4), issued by the Architecture Capability Team (ACaT) of the [[NATO Consultation, Command and Control Board]] (C3B) in January 2018, provides guidance on describing both [[enterprise architecture]]s and [[Systems architecture|systems architectures.]]

The objectives of the framework are to:

* Provide a way to organize and present architectures to stakeholders

The seven views are:

* Specify the guidance, rules, and product descriptions for developing and presenting architecture information

* NATO All View (NAV)

* Ensure a common approach for understanding, comparing, and integrating architectures,

* NATO Capability View (NCV)

* Act as a key enabler for acquiring and fielding cost-effective and interoperable capabilities

* NATO Operational View (NOV)

* Align with architecture references produced by international standard bodies ([[International Organization for Standardization]], [[Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers]], [[The Open Group]], [[Object Management Group]] etc.)

* NATO Service-Oriented View (NSOV)

* NATO Systems View (NSV)

* NATO Technical View (NTV)

* NATO Programme View (NPV)

===Methodology===

Each view has a set of subviews.

NAFv4 Chapter 2 provides a methodology which includes how to set up an architecting environment, govern, manage, define and evaluate architectures. The methodology has been developed from accepted best practice and standards, detailing the following:

* Terms and concepts for architecture.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.iso.org/iso/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=50508|title = Iso/Iec/IEEE 42010:2011}}</ref>

== NAF Meta-Model (NMM) ==

* A foundation for architecture activities<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iso.org/standard/68982.html|title=Iso/Iec/IEEE 42020:2019}}</ref>

* Architecture principles<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.springer.com/us/book/9783642202780|title = Architecture Principles &#124; SpringerLink}}</ref>

* Architecture activities at enterprise and project levels <ref name="togaf">{{Cite web|url=http://www.opengroup.org/architecture/togaf|title = TOGAF|date = 4 May 2018}}</ref>

* Architecture repositories and libraries enabling reuse and improved interoperability between communities, and to formalize architecture-based references.<ref name="togaf"/>

===Architecture Viewpoints (Grid representation)===

NAF uses the same meta-model as [[MODAF]]. The meta-model is documented in chapter 5 of the NATO Architecture Framework. Version 3.1 of the NMM is identical to v1.2.003 of the [[MODAF Meta-Model]]

NAFv4 Chapter 3 defines architecture viewpoints which describe the content, concerns addressed, usage and representation.

NAF Architecture Viewpoints serve as the baseline for any NAF-Compliant architecture description effort.

== Using the [[UK Ministry of Defence]]'s [[MODAF]] Documentation for NAF Work ==

To aid architects, these viewpoints are organized into a logical and consistent manner and presented as a “grid” similar to that used for the [[Zachman Framework]]. This ‘grid’ structure, represents the various ‘subjects of concern’ (rows) and ‘aspects of concern’ (columns), as shown below:

The documentation of the NAF Rev 3 views (Chapter 4) does not always align well with the NAF Meta Model (Chapter 5). This is particularly the case with some of the examples, which are based on DoDAF version 1.0. Some NAF users find it useful to first of all refer the official [[MODAF]] Documentation - [http://www.mod.uk/modaf]. This is a useful strategy, as the MOD documentation can be somewhat easier to follow, and NAF and [[MODAF]] share a common meta-model. However, there are some issues to consider:

The selection of Architecture Viewpoints must be tailored to the stakeholder concerns associated with the architecture task. Suitable Viewpoints need to be identified in the grid, should additional Viewpoints be required they must be defined.

A View is specified by an Architecture Viewpoint, this prescribes the concepts, models, analysis techniques and visualizations that are provided by the View.

An Architecture Viewpoint typically addresses a set of related concerns and is tailored for specific stakeholders. A NAF Architecture Viewpoint provides an example of a corresponding NAF Architecture View but does not have a mechanism to specify architecture view content.

* The [[MODAF]] documentation covers version 1.2.004 of the meta-model which has some small differences from v3.1 of the NAF Meta-Model (which was a NATO release of v1.2.001 of the MODAF Meta-Model). At the time of writing, plans were in place to update the NAF Meta-Model to correspond with [[MODAF]] v1.2.004. At any time though, there is a chance of NAF being behind MODAF as updates are made.

* The SOA views differ significantly between [[MODAF]] and NAF. In particular, [[MODAF]] handles in service orchestration in the Operational Viewpoint (OV-5) whereas NAF uses NSOV-5

Note: the NAF version 4 (NAFv4) specifies how views of NAF version 3 (NAFv3) can be reused, i.e. each cell of the “grid” refers to the NAFv3 views and the NAFv4 methodology explains how forward and backward compatibility can be ensured.

* MODAF does not have a TV-3 view

==Adoption of industry meta-models==

In most other respects, the [[MODAF]] documentation is fit for use in developing NAF architectures.

Chapter 4 of the NATO Architecture Framework identifies the commercial meta-models which can be used to creation viewpoints described in chapter 3:

*[[The Open Group]]'s [[ArchiMate]], as specified in Version 3.1,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.opengroup.org/archimate/downloads|title = ArchiMate Licensed Downloads|date = 12 October 2018}}</ref> and supported by the [https://www.archimatetool.com/download/ Archi® free open source tool.]

== External links ==

* The [[Object Management Group]]'s [https://www.omg.org/spec/UAF/About-UAF/ Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) Domain Meta-model (DMM)], as specified in Version 1.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.omg.org/spec/UAF/Current|title = About the Unified Architecture Framework Specification Version 1.1}}</ref>

* [http://www.nhqc3s.nato.int/ NATO C3 Board]

* [http://www.nhqc3s.nato.int/ARCHITECTURE/_docs/NAF_v3/ANNEX1.pdf NATO Architecture Framework v3]

==Glossary, references and bibliography==

* [http://www.modaf.com/file_download/41/Spectrum+Architecture+v1_1.pdf The initial work done on the bandwidth and frequency view in NAF v3 has since been further investigated by UK MOD CIO-J6 as part of the Spectrum Management work for CCEB]

Chapter 5 of the NATO Architecture Framework define major definitions and references in line with the major standards and reference documents used in Architecture activities.

* [http://www.integrated-ea.com/Previous-Years NATO Presentation on NAF] by Frits Broekema from Integrated EA Conference 2009

[[Category:Enterprise architecture frameworks]]

===Web access to download NAFv4===

* [http://trak-community.org/index.php/wiki/NAF:NAF_3.0 Summary of changes from NAF v2 to v3]

Official site to download the latest version of NAF is available ([https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_157575.htm?selectedLocale=en here]) or on the ([http://www.nato.int NATO Portal]).

An ArchiMate modeling guide for NAF v4, produced by the NATO Digital Policy Committee Architecture Capability Team is available [https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2025/2/pdf/2502-NAFv4-ArchiMate.pdf here].

Search for “Architecture Framework” and select the “NATO Architecture Framework, Version 4” entry.

==References==

{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Enterprise architecture frameworks]]

[[Category:NATO]]

[[Category:Software architecture]]

[[Category:Management frameworks]]