Introduction to the Emerging Reference Architectural Patterns & Guides
The Emerging Reference Architectural Patterns & Guides describe a comprehensive approach for transforming any development organization into a more integration agile enterprise. This framework is based on a Reference Architecture for Agility, which is a logical, technology-neutral architecture designed around a cloud-based model. This architecture can be incrementally adopted to form a robust foundation for digital enterprises, which can be deployed in private, public, or hybrid cloud environments.
The initiative encourages active participation and contributions from the community. Anyone interested can engage by submitting pull requests or creating issues on the project's GitHub repository.
Key Architectural Patterns
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Cell-based Architecture (CBA)
The Cell-based Architecture is a decentralized, cloud-native architecture that aligns with microservices concepts. It structures functional capabilities within a unit, defined by their scope and ownership. Data traverses within and between these units, known as "cells," and governance is seamlessly managed through a control plane embedded within each cell.
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Layered and Segmented Architecture
As businesses pivot towards digital transformation, their technical architectures have evolved to become API-centric, moving away from more traditional service-oriented designs. This is where the Layered and Segmented Architectures come in, representing two primary types of centralized, API-driven architectures:
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Segmented Reference Architecture: This approach organizes functional capabilities into subsets within layers, aligning them according to organizational ownership. Communication in this architecture moves primarily from one layer to the next.
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Layered Reference Architecture: This system groups functionalities into distinct layers, adopting a System of Systems perspective, with data transitioning through these layers.
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Architectural Guides and Concept Papers
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Platformless Computing:
This guide explores the "Platformless" approach, focusing on its integration with API management, cloud-native middleware, and platform engineering to enhance enterprise software engineering.
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Internal Developer Platform (IDP):
This technical reevaluation offers a comprehensive view of the Internal Developer Platform by extending its scope beyond the realms of Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) and infrastructure automation, delivering essential insights for technical decision-makers and software architects.
Technology-Specific Reference Architectural Patterns
Several specific architectural patterns are highlighted, tailored for different technological needs:
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API-driven Microservice Architecture: This pattern focuses on building microservices that leverage APIs as a core component.
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Cloud Native Architecture: This architecture ensures that digital enterprises effectively utilize cloud-native methodologies and infrastructure.
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CIAM – A WSO2 Reference Architecture: This focuses on Customer Identity and Access Management solutions provided by WSO2.
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Event-driven APIs in Microservice Architectures: This involves designing APIs that respond to events, enhancing the responsiveness and agility of microservice architectures.
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A Cloud Native Digital Enterprise: This pattern outlines approaches for building digital enterprises that are fully cloud-native.
Overall, the Emerging Reference Architectural Patterns & Guides offer a flexible yet powerful set of blueprints to aid organizations in modernizing their architectures and embracing seamless integration, supporting a smooth transition into the digital age.