TOGAF® Standard, 10th Edition · OGEA-101 Foundation · Quick revision
Solution Building Block (SBB)
Official definition — learn word for word
“A physical or implementation-specific component that realizes part or all of one or more logical Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs).”
There are business, application, and technology SBBs (§4.73 note). SBBs represent components that will be used to implement the required capability (§3.6).
Source: CC §4.73 · CC §3.6
Memory aid
S for Solution, S for Supplier: SBBs are product- or vendor-aware.
Memory aid — not TOGAF wording.
In plain words
The actual product or component chosen to deliver an ABB.
Plain-English summary — not TOGAF wording.
Worked example
PayFlask using a specific payment gateway implements the “Online payment service” ABB; a chosen single-sign-on product implements the “Identity service” ABB.
Illustrative example (Digital University Kerala) — not from the Standard.
01Mind map — related concepts
SBB
RELATES TO
Solutions Continuum
REALIZES
Part or all of one or more ABBs
OBTAINED BY
Procured or developed
THREE KINDS
Business · Application · Technology SBBs
HELD IN
Solutions Landscape (planned or deployed)
NOT TO CONFUSE WITH
ABB (logical, supplier-independent)
Source: CC §4.73 · AC §5.2.4, §7.1
02SBB vs ABB
| Aspect | SBB | ABB |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Physical or implementation-specific | Logical or supplier-independent |
| Continuum | Solutions Continuum | Architecture Continuum |
| Characteristics | Defines products/components; defines the implementation; fulfils business requirements; product or vendor-aware | Captures architecture requirements; directs and guides SBBs |
| Repository component | Solutions Landscape | Architecture Landscape |
Source: CC §4.9, §4.73 · AC §5.2.3, §5.2.4, §7.1
03Where it appears in the ADM
Phases B, C, D
The selected set of ABBs is refined iteratively into SBBs, bought off-the-shelf or custom developed.
AC §5.3.2
Phase G · Step 11.3.3
Guide Development of Solutions Deployment — includes “Update Enterprise Continuum directory and repository for solutions”.
ADM §11.3.3
04Exam traps
“An SBB realizes exactly one ABB” → Part or all of one or more ABBs
“SBBs are always technology” → There are business, application, and technology SBBs
“SBBs are held in the Architecture Landscape” → The Solutions Landscape represents the SBBs supporting the Architecture Landscape
“SBBs relate to the Architecture Continuum” → Solutions Continuum
“SBBs must be custom-built” → They may be either procured or developed
05Self-test — tap to reveal
Q1Define an SBB.
A physical or implementation-specific component that realizes part or all of one or more logical ABBs.
Q2Name the three kinds of SBB.
Business, application, technology.
Q3Which continuum?
Solutions Continuum.
Q4How can SBBs be obtained?
Procured or developed.
Q5Which repository component represents SBBs?
The Solutions Landscape.
Q6Are SBBs vendor-aware?
Yes — product or vendor-aware.
Q7Which Phase G step updates the repository for solutions?
Step 11.3.3 — Guide Development of Solutions Deployment.
Q8Must an SBB specification show its relationship to ABBs?
Yes — “Relationships between SBBs and ABBs” is a minimum content item.