Target architecture

As explained in Architecture Modernization: Socio-technical alignment of software, strategy, and structure

Target architecture is a proposed future-state architecture intended to guide architectural change.

A target architecture describes a proposed future state that connects business objectives and capabilities to technology choices. It clarifies where to build, where to buy, and which candidate solutions could support the desired evolution. section 16.1.2

Develop it by progressively connecting strategic intent to architectural choices:

• Map business capabilities to their evolution states: unique, supporting, or generic. section 16.1.2
• Assess how current technology supports each capability and whether that approach remains appropriate. section 16.1.2
• Record build-versus-buy decisions and candidate solutions, then connect the architecture to the target operating model. section 16.1.2

Modernizing content delivery

A cruise business needed capabilities for country-specific language, changing content, and context-sensitive delivery. Its target architecture supported a platform that managed content and reduced duplication, while the resulting operating model defined teams, decision rights, partners, measures, tools, and talent. section 16.1.2

Figure 16.5 Scott Millett’s approach to designing a target architecture

Use the visual approach to trace capability evolution, current technology, and candidate target solutions. section 16.1.2

How Architecture Modernization: Socio-technical alignment of software, strategy, and structure covers it

How deep it goes

Explains capability mapping, technology assessment, build-versus-buy choices, and candidate solutions, without detailing implementation.

Examples

Uses cruise-content localization, content management, duplication reduction, and context-sensitive delivery as an industry example.

What it assumes

Assumes business objectives, strategic actions, capability evolution, and current technology can be identified before designing the target state.

What you can do after

Build it from scratch by mapping capabilities to technology choices and connecting those choices to an operating model.

How it connects

Connects business capabilities, modernization strategy, enterprise architecture, and target operating models.

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Related concepts

• capabilityuses · A capability is an ability or permitted function that enables a person, organization, or system to perform an activity or achieve an outcome.

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Architecture Modernization: Socio-technical alignment of software, strategy, and structure. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.