Architecture

Architecture has two definitions:

In a computing, software, or networking context, architecture refers to the design of a computing system and how it forms relationships with its components. In these circumstances, architecture specifies the software, hardware, protocols, and access methods used in the system.

In a broader business context, architecture can refer to the framework that establishes principles, guidelines, or rules that manage the process of sourcing, building, modifying, and interfacing IT resources across an organization. These resources include software, hardware, communications tools, modeling tools, development methods, and organizational structures.