Introduction
An Architecture Review Board (ARB) is a group of people responsible for assessing the architecture of a company or organization. ARBs are typically composed of senior architects from both within and outside the organization. They are tasked with reviewing the organization’s architecture to ensure it is consistent, up-to-date, and meets the organization’s needs. ARBs also provide guidance and direction to ensure that all aspects of the architecture are aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives.
The purpose of an ARB is to ensure that any changes made to the architecture are well thought out and properly evaluated before implementation. This helps to reduce risk and promote sustainability. Additionally, ARBs can act as a source of knowledge and expertise on architecture-related topics, helping to inform decisions and improve overall architecture quality.
Different Types of Architecture Review Boards
There are three main types of ARBs: technical, enterprise, and application. Each type of ARB has its own unique focus and responsibilities.
Technical Architecture Review Board
The Technical Architecture Review Board (TARB) focuses on the technical aspects of a company’s architecture. The TARB reviews proposed changes to the architecture to ensure they meet technical requirements and are in line with the organization’s current technology stack. The TARB also evaluates new technologies, which may include software and hardware components, to determine if they are suitable for the organization.
Enterprise Architecture Review Board
The Enterprise Architecture Review Board (EARB) focuses on the overarching architecture of the organization. The EARB reviews proposed changes to the architecture to ensure they are in line with the organization’s strategic objectives and long-term goals. The EARB also works to ensure the architecture remains consistent across all departments and business units.
Application Architecture Review Board
The Application Architecture Review Board (AARB) focuses on the architecture of individual applications. The AARB reviews proposed changes to the architecture of specific applications to ensure they are in line with the organization’s goals and objectives. The AARB also works to ensure the architecture remains consistent across all applications.
Process of a Typical Architecture Review Board
The process of an ARB typically involves several steps. The first step is to identify the scope of the review. This includes determining what areas will be reviewed and what criteria will be used to evaluate the architecture. Once the scope has been identified, the next step is to gather relevant information about the architecture. This includes collecting data about existing systems, researching emerging technologies, and analyzing potential risks. After the information has been gathered, the ARB meets to discuss and evaluate the architecture. During this meeting, the ARB will assess the architecture against the criteria established in the scope and make recommendations for improvement.
Once the ARB has completed its evaluation, it makes a recommendation to the organization’s leadership team. This recommendation includes any proposed changes to the architecture, as well as any additional resources that may be needed to implement the changes. The leadership team then makes a final decision on whether or not to implement the changes recommended by the ARB.
Pros and Cons of Having an Architecture Review Board
Advantages
One of the main advantages of having an ARB is that it provides an objective viewpoint on the organization’s architecture. ARBs are often composed of experienced architects from outside the organization who can bring their expertise and experience to the table. Additionally, ARBs can help to ensure that architecture changes are well thought out and properly evaluated before implementation.
Another advantage of having an ARB is that it can help to reduce risk. By thoroughly reviewing proposed changes and evaluating them against the organization’s goals and objectives, ARBs can help to ensure that any changes made to the architecture are done so with minimal risk. Finally, ARBs can act as a source of knowledge and expertise on architecture-related topics, helping to inform decisions and improve overall architecture quality.
Disadvantages
One of the main disadvantages of having an ARB is that it can be costly. ARBs require resources such as time, money, and personnel, which can add up quickly. Additionally, ARBs can be slow to respond to changes or requests, which can lead to delays in the implementation of new architecture.
Another disadvantage is that ARBs can be inflexible. Because the members of an ARB have a strong understanding of the organization’s architecture, they may be reluctant to accept changes or suggestions that conflict with their own opinions. This can lead to disagreements and tension between the ARB and the organization’s leadership team.
Examples of Successful Architecture Review Boards
Case Study 1
In 2012, Walmart established an ARB to evaluate and oversee the organization’s architecture. The ARB was composed of senior architects from inside and outside the organization, including representatives from Microsoft and Google. The ARB was tasked with ensuring that Walmart’s architecture was up-to-date and in line with the organization’s goals and objectives. Over the course of two years, the ARB reviewed more than 500 architecture proposals and provided guidance and direction on each one.
The ARB’s efforts resulted in significant improvements to Walmart’s architecture. The organization was able to reduce costs and improve efficiency, while also ensuring that any changes made to the architecture were well thought out and properly evaluated. In addition, the ARB helped to ensure that the architecture remained consistent across all departments and business units.
Case Study 2
In 2016, Amazon established an ARB to review the organization’s architecture. The ARB was composed of senior architects from inside and outside the organization, including representatives from Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle. The ARB was tasked with evaluating proposed changes to the architecture and providing guidance and direction to ensure that the architecture remained consistent across all departments and business units.
The ARB’s efforts resulted in significant improvements to Amazon’s architecture. The organization was able to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase scalability. Additionally, the ARB provided valuable insights and expertise on architecture-related topics, helping to inform decisions and improve overall architecture quality.
Conclusion
Architecture Review Boards are an important part of any organization’s architecture. ARBs provide an objective viewpoint, help to reduce risk, and act as a source of knowledge and expertise on architecture-related topics. There are three main types of ARBs: technical, enterprise, and application. Each type of ARB has its own unique focus and responsibilities. The process of an ARB typically involves several steps, including identifying the scope of the review, gathering relevant information, and making a recommendation to the organization’s leadership team. Finally, there are both advantages and disadvantages to having an ARB, but when done correctly, they can be invaluable in improving the overall quality of an organization’s architecture.
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