Reference architecture is the blueprint used to put the pieces of the organizational & systems puzzle together. Digital teams use reference architecture to promote the reuse of common assets and identify capability gaps. It:
Defines a common language for consistent communication within the organization
Outlines all capabilities needed to achieve the best outcome
Provides the ability of systems or software to exchange and make use of information
Establishes standard systems, and a common way to exchange information
Develop the systems/software/platform catalog to identify reusable software components/Building Blocks that can support the digitization of services.
Identify additional Building Blocks/ reusable software components that are critical in building a national stack that can facilitate the development of prioritized citizen-centric digital services.
Define the approach to adding new/updated Building Blocks within the national stack, either through tendering, developing indigenously, or re-using existing Building Blocks. GovExchange provides a catalog of digital public goods that can be used as a reference.
Examples of Reference Architectures:
In Australia, their reference architecture document provides digital teams the guidance they need to align current and emerging tech into a sound orchestration of solutions to enable digital government service design and delivery
Who does what:
Chief government architects - Coordinate the work around the reference architecture
Solutions architects from government entities - Actively participate in the co-design of the document, the reference architecture working group, and the training program
Government Enterprise Architecture
Implementation guidelines
e-learning courses for stakeholders (public servants and ICT service providers)
- Actively participate in co-design sessions, the reference architecture working groups, and the training program
