Topic summary
NATO Architecture Framework
The aim of the NATO Architecture Framework Version 4 (NAFv4) is to provide a standard for developing and describing enterprise architectures for both military and business use. It provides a standardized way to develop architecture artifacts, by defining the following:
- Introduction – an overview of NAF, what it is and who uses it (Chapter 1)
- Methodology – how to develop architectures and run an architecture project (Chapter 2)
- Viewpoints – conventions for the construction, interpretation and use of architecture views for communicating the enterprise architecture to different stakeholders (Chapter 3)
- Meta-Models – the application of commercial meta-models identified as compliant with NATO policy (Chapter 4)
- Glossary, References and Bibliography (Chapter 5)
The NATO Architecture Framework v4 (NAFv4), issued by the Architecture Capability Team (ACaT) of the NATO Consultation, Command and Control Board (C3B) in January 2018, provides guidance on describing both enterprise architectures and systems architectures.
The objectives of the framework are to:
- Provide a way to organize and present architectures to stakeholders
- Specify the guidance, rules, and product descriptions for developing and presenting architecture information
- Ensure a common approach for understanding, comparing, and integrating architectures,
- Act as a key enabler for acquiring and fielding cost-effective and interoperable capabilities
- Align with architecture references produced by international standard bodies (International Organization for Standardization, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, The Open Group, Object Management Group etc.)