TOGAF® Standard, 10th Edition · OGEA-101 Foundation · Quick revision
Architecture Building Block (ABB)
Official definition — learn word for word
“An architectural component that specifies the required Solution Building Blocks (SBBs) at a more logical (or supplier-independent) level.”
ABBs typically describe required capability and shape the specification of SBBs — e.g. a customer services capability supported by many SBBs such as processes, data, and application software (CC §3.6).
Source: CC §4.9 · CC §3.6
Memory aid
ABB = the WHAT (logical spec). SBB = the WITH WHAT (product that realizes it).
Memory aid — not TOGAF wording.
In plain words
A building block described by what it must do, not by which product does it.
Plain-English summary — not TOGAF wording.
Worked example
“Online payment service — accepts cards and UPI, meets PCI-DSS” is an ABB. It names no gateway or vendor.
Illustrative example (Digital University Kerala) — not from the Standard.
01Mind map — related concepts
ABB
RELATES TO
Architecture Continuum
CAPTURES
Architecture requirements (B · D · A · T)
DIRECTS
Directs and guides the development of SBBs
DEFINED IN
Phases A–D, as a result of applying the ADM
GAP ANALYSIS
Matrix of baseline ABBs vs target ABBs
NOT TO CONFUSE WITH
SBB (product / vendor-aware)
Source: AC §5.2.3, §5.3.2 · TECH §5.2
02ABB vs SBB
| Aspect | ABB | SBB |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 4 definition | Specifies the required SBBs at a more logical (supplier-independent) level | A physical or implementation-specific component that realizes part or all of one or more ABBs |
| Relates to | Architecture Continuum | Solutions Continuum |
| Characteristics | Captures architecture requirements; directs and guides SBB development | Defines products and components that implement functionality; product or vendor-aware |
| Obtained by | Defined or selected by applying the ADM | Procured or developed |
| Specification includes | Fundamental functionality and attributes; interfaces (chosen set, supplied) | Specific functionality and attributes; interfaces (the implemented set); relationships to ABBs |
Source: CC §4.9, §4.73 · AC §5.2.3, §5.2.4
03Building blocks through the ADM (AC Fig 5-1)
Phase Ahigh-level model of candidate building blocks
B/C/D Step 2 — Baselineexisting building blocks, re-using Repository definitions
B/C/D Step 3 — Targetrequired building blocks via catalogs, matrices, diagrams
B/C/D Step 4 — Gap Analysiscarried over · eliminated · new
Phase Eassociate building block gaps with work packages
The selected set of ABBs is refined iteratively into SBBs, bought off-the-shelf or custom developed (AC §5.3.2).
Source: AC §5.3.2 (Fig 5-1)
04Where it appears in the ADM
Phases A, B, C, D
Building block definition takes place gradually, mainly in Phases A–D.
AC §5.3.2
Phases B, C, D · Step 4
Perform Gap Analysis — identify building blocks carried over, eliminated and new.
AC Fig 5-1 · ADM §4.3.4
Phase E
Associate building block gaps with work packages that will address them.
AC Fig 5-1
05Exam traps
“ABBs name specific products” → ABBs are logical / supplier-independent; SBBs are product-aware
“One ABB maps to exactly one SBB” → An SBB realizes part or all of one or more ABBs
“ABBs relate to the Solutions Continuum” → ABBs → Architecture Continuum; SBBs → Solutions Continuum
“ABBs are only defined in Phase D” → Mainly in Phases A, B, C and D
“Gap analysis compares SBBs” → The suggested matrix uses baseline ABBs vs target ABBs
06Self-test — tap to reveal
Q1Define an ABB.
An architectural component that specifies the required SBBs at a more logical (supplier-independent) level.
Q2Which continuum do ABBs relate to?
The Architecture Continuum.
Q3Name two ABB characteristics.
Captures architecture requirements; directs and guides the development of SBBs.
Q4In which phases are building blocks mainly defined?
Phases A, B, C and D.
Q5What does Phase A produce for building blocks?
A high-level model of candidate building blocks.
Q6What three outcomes does gap analysis identify for building blocks?
Carried over, eliminated, new.
Q7Where are building block gaps associated with work packages?
Phase E.
Q8What do ABBs typically describe (§3.6)?
Required capability.