(IT) Architecture and Solution Building Blocks

When defining what people usually call a solution, two building blocks are required to simplify the decision-making to arrive at the target or final solution.

In TOGAF, these building blocks are known as Architecture Building Blocks (ABB) and Solutions Building Blocks (SBB).

Technically speaking (you can call this the boring part!), ABB consists of Architecture Vision, Business Architecture, Information Systems Architecture, and Technical Architecture - This is where you create the architecture requirements for the solution you're looking for.

The SBB consists of Opportunities and Solutions, a Migration Plan, and Implementation Governance - This is where you create the solution that you're looking for to satisfy (or comply, as some people would call it) the requirements mentioned in the ABB.

Let's take an example of Network Segmentation. When an enterprise would like to implement a network segmentation, it starts with the requirements (ABB or specification). The requirements can look like the one below.

• Ability to logically separate network traffic
• Support for multiple security zones
• Traffic filtering between segments
• Scalability to accommodate future growth
• Support for monitoring and logging inter-segment traffic
• Compatibility with existing network protocols
• Ability to integrate with identity and access management systems

The SBB part is where the solution matches the requirements.

Solution: Cisco SD-Access (including Cisco ISE and Cisco Catalyst Centre, Cisco Catalyst switches and access points) and Cisco Secure Firewall.

• Logically separate network traffic using VLAN, 802.1x, and VRF.
• Support multiple security zones using VLAN, 802.1x and VRF.
• Traffic filtering between segments via Cisco Secure Firewall
• Scalability for expansion with Cisco Catalyst portfolio with ease of automated deployment.
• Monitoring and logging inter-segment traffic using both Cisco Catalyst Centre and Cisco Secure Firewall.
• Compatibility with the existing network protocol using open and standard protocol to enable network segmentation.
• Ability to integrate with Microsoft Entra ID (AD) to differentiate between users (staff, guest, admin, IoT, etc).

There are ways to add more complexity (or tailor) to this by adding more layers, such as business, data, application, and technology, or even adding some business strategy components. This is just the simplified version that describes ABB and SBB from the TOGAF point of view.

Looking at this from a different angle:

• ABBs define WHAT needs to be achieved (requirements)
• SBBs specify HOW it will be achieved (specific solutions)
• SBBs must align with and fulfil the requirements defined in ABBs
• Multiple SBB combinations might satisfy a single ABB's requirements

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