Enterprise architecture and digital transformation terms, explained concisely.
A
ArchiMate
A standard modelling language used to describe and analyse enterprise architecture across the business, application, and technology layers. It gives architects a shared vocabulary to draw relationships between an entity's components.
C
Capability
An entity's ability to deliver a specific outcome by combining people, processes, and technology. It is the core unit of analysis in business architecture.
D
DGA
The Digital Government Authority of Saudi Arabia, the national body responsible for regulating and developing the digital government sector. It issues NORA and the digital transformation standards.
Domain
A logical grouping of EA components that share a purpose and area of work, such as business or data architecture. NORA defines six main domains.
E
EA Office
The organisational unit responsible for leading EA practice inside an entity. It develops EA components, coordinates governance, and engages stakeholders.
G
Gap Analysis
A structured comparison of the current and future EA states to identify gaps and shape the roadmap. It runs separately for each domain.
K
KPI
A quantitative measure used to track EA progress against strategic objectives. NORA KPIs tie back to entity outcomes and business capabilities.
M
Maturity Model
A framework that describes the stages of EA practice maturity inside an entity. It is used to assess where the entity stands today and to plan the next steps.
N
NORA
The National Enterprise Architecture Framework issued by the DGA. It defines the methodology, domains, and reference models for EA practice in Saudi Arabia.
O
Operating Model
A reference description of how an entity runs its day-to-day work, covering processes, roles, and channels. It serves as the foundation for business architecture.
P
Principle
A long-lived guiding statement that informs EA decisions. It is usually paired with a rationale and a description of the implications of applying it.
Q
Qiyas
The Saudi national maturity-measurement model for EA and digital transformation. It is used to assess government entities across the digital-government ecosystem.
R
Reference Architecture
A pre-built EA pattern for a sector or domain, used as a starting point for building an entity's own architecture. It reduces design time and standardises terminology.
Reference Model
A standardised classification of EA components in a given domain. The DGA publishes one as part of NORA for each of the six domains.
Roadmap
A time-phased plan of initiatives and projects that moves an entity from its current state to its future state. It flows directly from the gap analysis.
S
Specification
A detailed document that captures the technical and contractual requirements for an EA component or project. It is used during procurement and delivery.
Stakeholder
Any individual, team, or entity that is affected by or influences EA practice. This includes leadership, organisational units, beneficiaries, and partners.
Standard
A binding technical or procedural rule that applies to EA components. Standards ensure consistency and interoperability across entities.
Subdomain
A finer-grained breakdown inside a main EA domain. It lets architects organise components and responsibilities into smaller, manageable units.
T
TOGAF
The Open Group Architecture Framework, one of the most widely used EA frameworks worldwide. It provides the ADM methodology for developing EA.
Key Figures
20
Terms
14
Letter groups
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