ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010:2011 addresses the creation, analysis and sustainment of architectures of systems through the use of architecture descriptions. A conceptual model of architecture description is established. The required contents of an architecture description are specified. Architecture viewpoints, architecture frameworks and architecture description languages are introduced for codifying conventions and common practices of architecture description. The required content of architecture viewpoints, architecture frameworks and architecture description languages is specified. Annexes provide the motivation and background for key concepts and terminology and examples of applying ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010:2011.

This International Standard addresses the creation, analysis and sustainment of architectures of systems through the use of architecture descriptions.

This International Standard provides a core ontology for the description of architectures. The provisions of this International Standard serve to enforce desired properties of architecture descriptions. This International Standard also specifies provisions that enforce desired properties of architecture frameworks and architecture description languages (ADLs), in order to usefully support the development and use of architecture descriptions. This International Standard provides a basis on which to compare and integrate architecture frameworks and ADLs by providing a common ontology for specifying their contents.

This International Standard can be used to establish a coherent practice for developing architecture descriptions, architecture frameworks and architecture description languages within the context of a life cycle and its processes (not defined by this International Standard). This International Standard can further be used to assess conformance of an architecture description, of an architecture framework, of an architecture description language, or of an architecture viewpoint to its provisions.

This International Standard specifies the manner in which architecture descriptions of systems are organized and expressed.

This International Standard specifies architecture viewpoints, architecture frameworks and architecture description languages for use in architecture descriptions.

This International Standard also provides motivations for terms and concepts used; presents guidance on specifying architecture viewpoints; and demonstrates the use of this International Standard with other standards.