About ArchiMate

ArchiMate® is an open and independent enterprise architecture modeling language. This technical standard from The Open Group provides a common language for describing, constructing, and operating enterprise processes, organizational structures, information flows, IT systems, and technical infrastructure, similar to the architectural design of a traditional building.

This language helps stakeholders design, assess, and discuss the implications of decisions and changes within and between these enterprise domains.

The foundation of the ArchiMate® language, which can be understood as a framework called the ArchiMate Framework, is the division of enterprise architecture into business, application, and technology layers. In each layer, three aspects are considered: active elements, internal structure, and elements that define the use or transfer of information.

ArchiMate® is partially based on the IEEE 1471 standard. It was developed in the Netherlands by a project team from the TELEMATICA Institute in collaboration with several Dutch partners from government, industry, and academia.

The development process lasted from July 2002 to December 2004 and cost approximately 4 million euros. The development was funded by the Dutch government and business partners, including ABN AMRO and ABP Pension Fund. In 2008, the ownership and stewardship of ArchiMate® were transferred to The Open Group, and in February 2009, the ArchiMate 1.0 standard was published.