Architecture Governance

Intro

Architecture Governance is the approach and structures used to guide, monitor, and enforce architecture decisions. In EA, it ensures consistency, alignment to strategy, and risk control across change initiatives.

Key points:

• Provides principles, standards, and decision forums
• Improves traceability and compliance across the portfolio
• Common use cases: standards reviews, exception approvals, roadmap sign‑off, reference architecture adoption, design authority
• Pitfall: over‑bureaucratic processes that slow delivery

Examples:

• Design authority approving major solution changes
• Standards lifecycle and waiver process
• Reference architecture compliance checks

In practice:

See Enterprise Architecture for governance frameworks and operating models.

Related terms: Architecture; Reference Architecture; Standards

FAQs:

Q: What’s the core goal of architecture governance?
A: Align solutions to strategy while managing risk through standards and oversight.

Q: How do I avoid slowing delivery?
A: Use lightweight checkpoints, clear guardrails, and fast escalation paths.

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