Article #5: Integrating Technology and Applications – A Deep Dive into ArchiMate's Technology Layer
Tags: architecture, archimate, enterprisearchitecture, digitaltransformation
Published: 2024-02-28 13:00:00

As we continue our exploration of [ArchiMate](https://www.opengroup.org/archimate-forum) within the enterprise architecture landscape, we arrive at a crucial layer: the Technology layer. This layer is where the rubber meets the road, integrating the application's needs with the underlying technological infrastructure. It's where strategic decisions about technology stacks and configurations take shape.

Our ongoing fictive case study with XYZ Company, which is working to integrate partner logins, provides a perfect backdrop to illustrate the nuances of the Technology layer. This initiative necessitates significant changes not only in applications but also in the technological infrastructure that supports these applications.

Initially, XYZ's Identity Brokering collaboration is managed through an Auth0 Tenant, which is a critical component of their infrastructure. This setup serves their current needs adequately, but with the planned integration of PartnerA and PartnerB, this architecture requires a careful re-assessment and likely, an upgrade.

The integration journey involves several key changes:

- For PartnerA, XYZ needs to establish an OIDC protocol-based connection, involving the creation of an OIDC Provider within their Auth0 Tenant and expects adjustments in the Amazon Cognito Tenant by PartnerA.
- For PartnerB, the integration is more complex, necessitating the adoption of the SAMLv2 protocol. This introduces new elements into the architecture, including a SAML Provider in the Auth0 Tenant and expects modifications in the Local Keycloak Instance by PartnerB.

In this article, we present two distinct views:

**Baseline of the Technology Architecture**: This view outlines the current state of XYZ’s technology infrastructure, focusing on the Auth0 Tenant and its role.

<p>
<figure>
<img alt="Baseline of the Technology Architecture" src="https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/hc8bdft1ler6ikdbujsu.png" />
<figcaption>Baseline of the Technology Architecture</figcaption>
</figure>
</p>

**Target of the Technology Architecture**: This view illustrates the future state post-integration, showcasing the new configurations and protocol adoptions needed to support the business initiative.

<p>
<figure>
<img alt="Target of the Technology Architecture" src="https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/jwcuxwlyrepvz1iyq68v.png" />
<figcaption>Target of the Technology Architecture</figcaption>
</figure>
</p>

These visualizations are critical in understanding the technological implications of the business decisions and ensuring that the technology architecture remains robust and scalable.

By implementing these views, we not only depict the necessary technological changes but also ensure adherence to key requirements, like the OIDC and SAMLv2 protocols. This comprehensive approach guarantees that XYZ's technology layer supports and enhances its application and business layers.

How have you navigated the complexities of the Technology layer in your enterprise architecture endeavors? What challenges have you encountered in integrating new technologies or protocols into your existing infrastructure? Share your experiences and insights in navigating these intricate yet crucial aspects of architecture.

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- [Article #1: ArchiMate – Bridging the Gap in Complex Enterprise Initiatives](https://dev.to/tmorin/article-1-archimate-bridging-the-gap-in-complex-enterprise-initiatives-b6)
- [Article #2: Navigating Motivations in Architecture – The ArchiMate Way](https://dev.to/tmorin/article-2-navigating-motivations-in-architecture-the-archimate-way-3p4f)
- [Article #3: Mapping the Business Layer – ArchiMate’s Role in Business Process Modeling](https://dev.to/tmorin/article-3-mapping-the-business-layer-archimates-role-in-business-process-modeling-ob3)
- [Article #4: Synchronizing Business and IT – ArchiMate in the Application Layer](https://dev.to/tmorin/article-4-synchronizing-business-and-it-archimate-in-the-application-layer-50lj)
- [Article #5: Integrating Technology and Applications – A Deep Dive into ArchiMate's Technology Layer](https://dev.to/tmorin/article-5-integrating-technology-and-applications-a-deep-dive-into-archimates-technology-layer-2o45)
- [Article #6: Orchestrating Change – ArchiMate in Implementation and Migration Planning](https://dev.to/tmorin/article-6-orchestrating-change-archimate-in-implementation-and-migration-planning-4p9a)
- [Article #7: Reflecting on the ArchiMate Journey – From Concept to Reality](https://dev.to/tmorin/article-7-reflecting-on-the-archimate-journey-from-concept-to-reality-47ao)