Chapter 7. ArchiMate

  2. Home
  4. Docs
  6. Chapter 7. ArchiMate
  8. 2. ArchiMate Viewpoints
  10. ArchiMate Viewpoint: Application Usage Viewpoint

ArchiMate Viewpoint: Application Usage Viewpoint

Download PDF

In the ArchiMate language, a viewpoint is a relevant subset of ArchiMate elements and relationships, put together on a diagram in representing a particular part of an architecture. ArchiMate suggests a set of example viewpoints. Each of them comprises elements from different layers. Besides, the Grouping element, Junction, and Or Junction can be used in every viewpoint. These basic viewpoints can be used as starting points for modeling efforts. But keep in mind that these example viewpoints should not constrain modeling activities. Organizations should modify the example viewpoints or even to design their own viewpoints in addressing specific stakeholder concerns. This article describes one of the many example viewpoints – The Application Usage Viewpoint.

What is an Application Usage Viewpoint?

According to ArchiMate 3.1 specification:

The application usage viewpoint describes how applications are used to support one or more business processes, and how they are used by other applications. It can be used in designing an application by identifying the services needed by business processes and other applications, or in designing business processes by describing the services that are available. Furthermore, since it identifies the dependencies of business processes upon applications, it may be useful to operational managers responsible for these processes.

The table below describes the Application Usage Viewpoint in more detail.

Attribute Value
Stakeholders Enterprise, process, and application architects, operational managers
Concerns Consistency and completeness, reduction of complexity
Purpose Designing, deciding
Scope Multiple layer/Multiple aspect

Application Usage Viewpoint Example

The figure below shows an ArchiMate diagram created under the Application Usage Viewpoint. By applying a viewpoint you are allowed to draw an ArchiMate diagram with a subset of ArchiMate elements and relationships, as defined under the viewpoint.
Application Usage Viewpoint example

How to apply Application Usage Viewpoint?

To apply Application Usage Viewpoint (or any other viewpoint) involves two main steps. The first step is to configure your project to use the viewpoint. The second step is to edit your diagram by selecting the viewpoint.

Project configuration

  1. Select Modeling > Manage Viewpoint from the application toolbar.
    To manage ArchiMate Viewpoints
  2. This shows the Viewpoint tab. Click Add at bottom left.
    To add a viewpoint into the project
  3. This shows the list of example viewpoints. Select Application Usage Viewpoint. The stakeholder, purpose, concerns and related elements are presented on the right.
  4. Click Done.
  5. Click OK to confirm.

Setting a viewpoint to diagram

To apply Application Usage Viewpoint on an ArchiMate diagram:

  1. Right click on the ArchiMate diagram and select Open Specification… from the popup menu.
    Opening diagram specification
  2. Open the Viewpoint tab.
  3. Select Application Usage Viewpoint.
  4. Click OK to return to the diagram. From now on, you can select the subset of ArchiMate elements and relationships defined under the Application Usage Viewpoint.