LEARN. PRACTICE. GROW.Concept and mechanism
The technology layer represents resources and behavior supporting execution and operation. A Node can represent a computational or physical resource hosting or interacting with other resources. Device is more specific and represents a physical IT resource. System Software describes software providing an environment for executing or storing software and data, such as an operating system or middleware. Artifact represents a concrete item used or produced during development, deployment, or operation. Distinguish, for example, a deployment file from application functionality and the logical information processed. Detail should answer the stakeholder’s question without creating false equivalences between concepts.
Guided application
In a fictional case, an EAR file is installed into a WebSphere environment supported by infrastructure resources. The EAR is an artifact; WebSphere can be represented as System Software; the application component describes another perspective. Do not automatically classify a virtual machine as a physical device. To discuss recovery, identify shared resources between instances, including storage and platform services. Two drawn elements do not demonstrate failure independence. A deployment view helps locate affected components but still depends on current inventory and correct relationships. The tool does not automatically observe the real environment. Before accepting a redundancy conclusion, confirm that the model represents every dependency needed by the service.
EAR, WebSphere, and application component are not the same concept.
Common pitfalls
VM treated as physical device; artifact treated as logical object; two boxes treated as proven resilience.
Related topics: Language, model, and aspects · Relationships, direction, and meaning · Motivation and strategy
Identify the abstraction and verify what supports actual execution.
Reference: Archi hint: system software · OGA-031; ArchiMate 3.2