Archi Forum

Hi,

The goal of this thread is to list as many known use cases as possible so that people new to Archi can see that it can be really used on a day to day basis by an Architect (and not only 1 or 2 days to "test" ArchiMate and then switch to a paid tool).

So if you use Archi for an organization (which should obviously be always the case) we'd appreciate if you could take 2min to briefly describe in which context you use it (your organization, size of your team if any, typical work you to with it...). It could also be interresting to see why to still use Archi or why you've switch to another tool if you no more use it.

In addition, we can also use this thread to list other known usage (for example publication of Reference Architectures...).

This topic is yours.

Regards,

JB

So I will start by my own usage.

As former Architect for the french LafargeHolcim division:
Archi is used to document the global IS/IT Landscape, mainly from an infrastructure and application point of view. This is used for impact analysis (together with information shared in a CMDB based on CMDBuild) and as a basis for each architecture change (ie. for project related solution architecture) where deliverables are created through the buitin jasperreport engine (customizable report).

As Enterprise Architect Consultant for Arismore:
Archi is used:

• to document architectures for our customers when they have no EA tooling in place,
• to document architectures for our own, internal, projet,
• by trainees during official ArchiMate trainings

Regards,

JB

Another known usage is the official documentation of the European Interoperability Reference Architecture (https://joinup.ec.europa.eu/asset/eia/description).

This is made clear by:

• The reference to Archi at the end of the official page (https://joinup.ec.europa.eu/asset/eia/description)
• The publication of the HTML export (https://joinup.ec.europa.eu/site/eia/EIRA/EIRA_v0.9.0_beta/HTML/model.html) of the beta version of the reference architecture

As Enterprise Architect for Ciber International:
* Started with Archi to create a multidimensional model, with lots of views on different architecture subdomains, like Business, Application, Technology etc.
* Also other architects work with Archi.

As Enterprise Architect for BDO International:
* Started with Archi to create amultidimensional model, with lots of views on different architecture subdomains, like Business, Application, Technology etc.

Another example: IBM

http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/cloud/library/cl-cloudecosystem/

regards,

F.

I have a lot of email feedback dating from 2010 until now from various users and organisations stating that they use or have used Archi, that they like it, or can we add this or that feature, and so on. Some still use Archi, and some may have moved onto other tools or dropped it. In any case, here's a random selection of organisations past and present who have stated they have used Archi to some degree:

• Universities
• Insurance companies
• Electrabel IT-Services
• AtE
• Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
• GE Corporate Initiatives Group
• Cap Gemini
• Havenbedrijf Rotterdam N.V.
• The TriZetto Group
• Casewise
• Sogeti Nederland B.V.
• United States Department of Labor
• QA Training
• Government of Canada, Treasury Board

There are lots more!

Phil

Hi,

As far as I'm concerned, I'm a technical architect at Stime, the IT company of the musqueteers group (Intermarche, Bricomarche, Netto, Poivre Rouge, ...).

I replaced Visio by Archi to draw all my architecture diagrams.

I developped an Archi plugin to import all our CIs from our ServiceNow CMDB (https://github.com/archi-contribs/snow-import-plugin (https://github.com/archi-contribs/snow-import-plugin)).

I am also developping a plugin to store the Archi plugins into a database. The alpha relase will be available on Github soon.

Best regards

Quote from: Hervé on April 15, 2016, 13:38:16 PM
I replaced Visio by Archi to draw all my architecture diagrams.

Nice. :-) Thanks for the feedback.

Hi Phil,

Yes, that's the nice side.

On the other hand, my company is willing to replace all the licenced software by free ones in order to reduce cost. Untill now, they're not ready to pay for Archi  :-[

Best regards
Hervé

Hi JB,

I asked my government client for their permission to submit a brief story of how we used Archi to help document their Business Architecture. They agreed, as long as I was willing to write the narrative. I ended up writing a one page "Archi Usage Story" which they have approved and I have attached to this post. I hope that you and other forum members find it to be of value.

Thanks and Regards,
Peter

Hi Peter,

Thank you very much for this detailed description of what you are doing with Archi. I think we could even make it accessible through the main Archi website if you're ok.

Regards,

JB

Thanks Peter,

we do have a blog site. Could I summarise it there?

Phil

Hi Phil and JB,

I'm absolutely OK with publishing that anywhere. However, if it is to be edited or summarized I'd appreciate the opportunity to review it first. I may also be able to add additional info if you thought it would help.

Cheers,
Peter

Hi Peter,

great! It will be a "Archi Spotlight on...." feature on the blog. I'll take what you've got and edit it and then let you have the final say and edit. I'll do it real soon.

Phil

Peter, I've drafted something in Google docs and sent you an edit invite.

I am working on a world wide retail and whole sales company as one of 30-50 enterprise architects and a huge number of solution architects.

I realized the need of a repository for my architecture work and have been using Archi for about 2-3 years.

I have recently challenged Archi with Sparx EA but decided to go with Archi. In my role as enterprise architect with application and information focus I will deal with other architects that also will need to use Archi. I work TOGAF-9-ish and organize the models according to the TOGAF content framework.

I have developed a methodology to perform architectural analyses and design drilling down from descriptions of the business needs down to application internal solution architecture. I am thinking of writing something or perhaps develop a course. I have used the methodology in several projects and pre-studies and had some time to let it evolve.


On several occasions I have shared diagrams with business users with slim to none experience with architecture or IT development. In general the perception have been good after a short introduction.

I have never used such a fast drawing utility, including Sparx EA also using Archimate. With some experience in selecting proper archimate-objects I can draw diagrams in real time during workshops. Fellow co-workers have been very impressed :)

Hi Erik,

thanks for this story.  :)  I'll be doing a series of "Spotlight on..." blog pieces if you'd like to consider contributing your story.

Peter Gee's story was re-fashioned as a Q&A and published on the Archi blog - http://blog.archimatetool.com/2016/05/16/archi-spotlight-archi-supports-the-government-of-new-brunswicks-ea-program/

If anyone would like to do the same, I'd be happy to work with them to produce something for the blog.

Quote from: ErikR on May 14, 2016, 18:45:06 PM
I am working on a world wide retail and whole sales company as one of 30-50 enterprise architects and a huge number of solution architects.

I realized the need of a repository for my architecture work and have been using Archi for about 2-3 years.

I have recently challenged Archi with Sparx EA but decided to go with Archi. In my role as enterprise architect with application and information focus I will deal with other architects that also will need to use Archi. I work TOGAF-9-ish and organize the models according to the TOGAF content framework.

I have developed a methodology to perform architectural analyses and design drilling down from descriptions of the business needs down to application internal solution architecture. I am thinking of writing something or perhaps develop a course. I have used the methodology in several projects and pre-studies and had some time to let it evolve.


On several occasions I have shared diagrams with business users with slim to none experience with architecture or IT development. In general the perception have been good after a short introduction.

I have never used such a fast drawing utility, including Sparx EA also using Archimate. With some experience in selecting proper archimate-objects I can draw diagrams in real time during workshops. Fellow co-workers have been very impressed :)

Hi ErikR,

I have one question. How are you dealing with multi-user in Archi? Are you using GRAFICO plugin? If not, how do you manage for example, Infrastructure ICs with Application.

Regards,

Germano.

I work as an Enterprise Security Architect in the new company called Philips Lighting founded by Royal Philips.

For creating the Enterprise Security Architecture I am using Archimate as a open standard and well developed language, although an extension to risk and security would be welcome (understand that Open Group is investigating this).

As I wanted to use an architecture tool to manage and share my views and designs I started to use Archi as an alternative to commercial EA tools also hoping for an easy exchange of models with other architecture disciplines. This is still in the early stages as I am working my way throuhg the various domains also sharing and getting feedback from the other domain architects.

Paul Kraakman

Thanks for the feedback, Paul.  :)

Phil

My story is similar to ErikR's. I work for a very large multi-national company. I've found that ArchiMate using Archi hits a sweet spot between too much/too little detail that allows me to work with a variety of stakeholders using one set of models. I can use the same diagram to walk through (and influence) a business decision-maker, IT officer, and software engineer. In the past, I'd have to create different diagrams - usually using different tools - for each stakeholder to tell the story in a way that was appropriate for them. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach or tool, ArchiMate using Archi is the closest I've found to that.

Like ErikR, I've recently led workshops where I've been the "modeling facilitator." During these workshops we're effectively re-engineering business processes and re-designing the application portfolio that supports them. The model-on-the-fly approach using Archi has been tremendously successful in this workshop format. Even though I'm the one driving Archi, everyone is participating in shaping and validating the model so they leave with a sense of ownership and they are "bought in" to the model from day one.

Contrast that with historical EA approaches of creating models in a vacuum and trying desperately to "sell" them to stakeholders. It's a powerful approach that can only work with a method like ArchiMate that is simple yet reasonably comprehensive and a tool like Archi that allows for on-the-fly modeling in a room full of stakeholders without significant pauses to create model elements that disrupt the flow of ideas and participatory feel of the workshop.

Now if I could just replace certain model element icons with images like a mobile device, I could retain model integrity and do away with PowerPoint...  ;)

I am working as a architect at PharmaPartners, a dutch IT company creating software for pharmacies and doctor's. I used Archi for a few years already first just as an architecture diagram drawing tool. Recently I used it to set up an IT landscape model. Since I wanted to share the model with different stakeholder I created a reporting website using XSLT based on the Open Exchange format. I have started to share the more generic parts in a Github project (archimateviewer) especially the views using SVGs. This would actually allows for dynamic views based on properties or as the previous post was washing for replacing the visualisation of certain elements by simply drawing a different kind of node in the view.

We're using it in an unofficial capacity at the University of Sydney.

What we've liked about Archi is that it enforces the Archimate syntax - which is invaluable when you're first coming up to speed with the language itself. Likewise, the fact that it enforces what are in the standard viewpoints - which again is great for people who are coming up to speed with Archimate.

Quote from: prgee on May 12, 2016, 19:19:42 PM
Hi JB,

I asked my government client for their permission to submit a brief story of how we used Archi to help document their Business Architecture. They agreed, as long as I was willing to write the narrative. I ended up writing a one page "Archi Usage Story" which they have approved and I have attached to this post. I hope that you and other forum members find it to be of value.

Thanks and Regards,
Peter

Hi Peter,
There are some links in the attached file. But it's wrong. Can you give correct links?

Kemerovo Heart Disease Hospital and Dispensary.

As CQO and my team we are trying to describe the architecture of our institute using world-famous languages ​​like Archi and methods, realizing that, perhaps, among our Russian colleagues we will not understand.

New language - new opportunities for communication.

I am working as an Enterprise/Solution Architect @KBC Belgium.
Together with a number of colleagues I am introducing Archimate 3.0 in IT.
We use Archi as a tool to support modeling.
We combine this with Grafico and GIT (or SVN-Subversion) to enable collaboration.

Hi,

I use Archi primarily to maintain the Application Landscape and derived models for Walraven (www.walraven.com), a multinational manufacturing company. I also use it to make specific project views on the landscape, depicting changes. It really helps that integrity of relations is kept at all times, to decide in what views to show these or not.

Regards,
Marco

I am currently working as a solution and project architect at BKWI, a Dutch government organization at the domain of Work and Income. We are using Archi

• to model reference architecture
• to describe architectural and orgnizational principles
• to descibe the architecture of our application landscape
• to model project architectures

Ton Geurts

Thanks for all the user stories so far. It's good to hear from Archi users on how they are using the software!

Best regards,

Phil

Hi all,

Here in DXC Technology (https://www.dxc.technology/ (https://www.dxc.technology/)) Archi is quite a common tool among architects. Sure, being DXC a TOGAF Platinum Member might be one of the reasons, but with or without the company decision to be a Platinum member, Archi is a great tool that allowed me to deliver real life architectures for multiple projects. Can Archi be improved? Sure it can, but as it stands is already quite up to its task.

Pino

Thanks for that, Pino.

"Can Archi be improved?" - Yes, it can given the right resources!

And welcome to the Archi forums!

Phil

Dear Archi Forum,

I work for a Bank in Venezuela, we have evaluated commercial software/tools to facilitate the incorporation of the practice of EA in the company.

The conclusion: There are very good tools, however, the implementation process is complex because they are more oriented to the tool than to the value that the practice of architecture can provide within the industry where it is or is intended to be implemented. Their licensing and implementation costs are very high and usually do not end up convincing the sponsors about the return on investment.

My recommendation: The focus of the architecture practice should be on the value it generates within the industry where it will be applied. Going to have a well governed repository, which allows to respond things of value to the business easily and within the reach of those interested. So that it allows them to advance to a new business result.

We evaluated Archi vs. The Essential Project and my recommendation was Archi, among the reasons is the noise generated by adding ontological themes to modeling. Being that our framework is based on TOGAF and this speaks in terms of Archimate. My recommendation was Archi.

What would we like to be incorporated in Archi?
Multi-user and collaborative facility. Which is in progress.
Extend the tool so that it covers the entire TOGAF architecture repository structure and the artifacts link to the model.
Incorporate a graph database to facilitate impact analysis at a greater depth level.

In my case we are doing a work to define/create the meta architecture (Phase A) that will start by modeling BIAN Landscape v6.0 (Phase A, B and C), Hybrid Cloud and dockerization (Phase D), DevOps (We are working on how).

Best regards,
José Alfredo Guillén
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-guillen-12160085

Thank-you for the feedback José - we hope to improve Archi even more!

Phil

Although we have been working with Archi for some time within the municipality of Nijmegen (the Netherlands), it is from today the standard architecture-tool that we use. The lack of collaboration functionality used to be a showstopper, but it is now present in sufficient quantities and hopefully will be even better in the future. I really think that Archi is in many cases more usable than other closed and expensive applications. Go go Archi!

Thanks, Ad!

The more traction and investment there is, the more that can be done and improved.

Phil

Hi,

I am part of an enterprise architecture group at a large financial services company (MassMutual) and we use Archi across our entire federated architecture community.  We use it to produce various viewpoints supporting enterprise architecture planning, strategy, and solutions delivery. We have implemented a standard "EA" model which we manage change in Github using Co-archi plugin functionality.  We have integrated it with our EAMS and import content from the EAMS into the model in order to make it available to use in our views.

-Kevin

Quote from: kkosienski on November 04, 2020, 18:48:07 PM
Hi,

I am part of an enterprise architecture group at a large financial services company (MassMutual) and we use Archi across our entire federated architecture community.  We use it to produce various viewpoints supporting enterprise architecture planning, strategy, and solutions delivery. We have implemented a standard "EA" model which we manage change in Github using Co-archi plugin functionality.  We have integrated it with our EAMS and import content from the EAMS into the model in order to make it available to use in our views.

-Kevin

Thanks for sharing, Kevin.

Phil

I'm using Archi to teach "Enterprise Modeling" for a course at the University of St. Gallen HSG (www.unisg.ch). About 50 Bachelor students in Business Information Systems take this course.

I'm convinced that this skill will be important for future business leaders. Our highly dynamic time needs informed decision-making that takes into account all perspectives and knowledge at all levels. Participation creates shared ownership and emotional buy-in. This makes transformation manageable and achievable. An enterprise model supports dialogue and orientation and furthers organizational learning at all levels.

Archi comes in very handy to acquire practical tooling experience and understand the concept of repository vs. views plus learn some ArchiMate concepts.

Hi,

I am a member of an ongoing project to define next version of O-DA.
# O-DA: https://www.opengroup.org/open-group-releases-dependability-through-assuredness-%E2%84%A2-standard

Archimate is set as language for enterprise architecture design in the new standard and of course Archi is de facto.
I am in charge of some Archi extention for O-DA.

BR
Jiro

Hi,

I work as an architect for KPN (Dutch Telecom and Network company) and we use Archimate and Archi.
I've moved to a new team recently and we are introducing Archimate as a way to get more architects and consultants involved. We do this using the collaboration plug-in and so far it has been lots of fun and value is already starting to show.  I am proud to contribute a small amount of euros each month to support this fantastic toolset.

Regards,
Wiebo

Hi,
As an Architect for the french AG2R LA MONDIALE firm:
Archi is used to document the global IS/IT Landscape, from an infrastructure, application and business point of view.
We use it for impact analysis (together with information shared in a CMDB based on MEGA - maybe in the future we'll use full archi...) and as a basis for each architecture change (ie. for project related solution architecture) where deliverables are created through the buitin jasperreport engine (whith a customized report we should soon share with the community).

Joël

Hello the Archicommunity,
I just joined Jokosun company (https://www.jokosun.solutions/), startup company for deploying energy solutions in west Africa, as a CTO/CIO  (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaspedot/)last September and will use with Archi to construct the first EA model.

It will be used to discuss with CEO, represent actual architecture and defining the strategy.
I am an experienced user of Python and DevOps oriented I will push for automation wherever I can.

I am also see open source as a corner stone of our strategy and for that I consider contributing to Archi.

Happy to join this community.

Quote from: tpedot on December 03, 2021, 14:52:55 PMHello the Archicommunity,
I just joined Jokosun company (https://www.jokosun.solutions/), startup company for deploying energy solutions in west Africa, as a CTO/CIO  (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaspedot/)last September and will use with Archi to construct the first EA model.

It will be used to discuss with CEO, represent actual architecture and defining the strategy.
I am an experienced user of Python and DevOps oriented I will push for automation wherever I can.

I am also see open source as a corner stone of our strategy and for that I consider contributing to Archi.

Happy to join this community.

Hi, welcome to the Archi community, and thanks for your contribution!

Regards,

Phil

I wanted to add Ordnance Survey to the list of organisations using Archi.
As a Solution Architect I have been using Archi to model the part of the business I am working in, and a few others have been doing the same. It is so much easier to use than Sparx, which I just don't have the time to learn to use!

Recently I have been creating data models in Archi, which ArchiMate isn't that good for, but it is better than nothing.

I love that I can publish to HTML and my coworkers can then access views and the model easily (we push to a git repo, using the collab plugin, which then automatically publishes to an Azure site).

People are loving my ArchiMate views in e.g. presentations, rather than Visio diagrams (we all know these don't get updated).

Thank you all, and I'm looking forward to contributing in some way.

QuoteI wanted to add Ordnance Survey to the list of organisations using Archi.
As a Solution Architect I have been using Archi to model the part of the business I am working in, and a few others have been doing the same. It is so much easier to use than Sparx, which I just don't have the time to learn to use!

Recently I have been creating data models in Archi, which ArchiMate isn't that good for, but it is better than nothing.

I love that I can publish to HTML and my coworkers can then access views and the model easily (we push to a git repo, using the collab plugin, which then automatically publishes to an Azure site).

People are loving my ArchiMate views in e.g. presentations, rather than Visio diagrams (we all know these don't get updated).

Thank you all, and I'm looking forward to contributing in some way.

Thanks for the positive feedback, Jacqui!

Phil

Let's add the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) to the list of organisations using Archi.

I've been supporting Enterprise Architecture at the RSPCA for some time now, using Archi to maintain an Architecture Repository to deliver ArchiMate models/designs for both large scale Enterprise projects/programmes, but also smaller "Business as Usual" demand.

We have a small team of three architects (Enterprise, Solution and Data) all using Archi to model our solutions in a shared repository synchronised using coArchi, with a dash of jArchi for automation.

A huge thankyou to the Archi development team!

Thanks Steven, the RSPCA is a great cause!

Phil

I used Archi at GSK. I was engaged at GSK as a consultant. I noticed that GSK has Archi available for anyone to install through their internal Software Center.

At CGI we have a number of tools, Archi and Sparx are the tools most commonly used for architecture with a few clients opting to go for BiZZdesign etc.
My preference, and often a client preference is Archi because it is aesthetically more pleasing to the eye, easier to read and navigate.
Personally, I opted to be a Patron because it's only fair to support your work. I've been really pleased with the tools for publishing in different formats, to make it easier for non-architects to read documentation.

Quote from: sianvanes on March 15, 2023, 14:23:03 PMAt CGI we have a number of tools, Archi and Sparx are the tools most commonly used for architecture with a few clients opting to go for BiZZdesign etc.
My preference, and often a client preference is Archi because it is aesthetically more pleasing to the eye, easier to read and navigate.
Personally, I opted to be a Patron because it's only fair to support your work. I've been really pleased with the tools for publishing in different formats, to make it easier for non-architects to read documentation.

Hi Sian, thanks for your kind words and support!

Regards,

Phil

Hello,

I'm currently working with the french ministry of defence as an enterprise architect.
The use of Archi is promoted in the IT department of the ministry.
I discovered Archi a few month ago and I find this tool very simple and intuitive

Quote from: Jean Christophe on June 09, 2023, 16:15:52 PMHello,

I'm currently working with the french ministry of defence as an enterprise architect.
The use of Archi is promoted in the IT department of the ministry.
I discovered Archi a few month ago and I find this tool very simple and intuitive

Hi, welcome to the forums and thanks for your feedback!

Phil

Quote from: sianvanes on March 15, 2023, 14:23:03 PMAt CGI we have a number of tools, Archi and Sparx are the tools most commonly used for architecture with a few clients opting to go for BiZZdesign etc.
My preference, and often a client preference is Archi because it is aesthetically more pleasing to the eye, easier to read and navigate.
Personally, I opted to be a Patron because it's only fair to support your work. I've been really pleased with the tools for publishing in different formats, to make it easier for non-architects to read documentation.

When I was in CGI, I used to use Archi all the time, before being forced into some other monstrosity!

Myself and the Head of Architecture used it for a large UK Ministry of Defence project we were delivering from 2020 to 2022 (when I left Sopra Steria) .. I then moved the model to BiZZdesign .. but boy oh boy, was that GUI and UX a hot mess. Would rather have stayed on Archi but the client wanted it.  :-[   Beugh.
I now use Archi in AstraZeneca and am an ambassador there .. fighting off BiZZdesign, Lean.IX and (guess what) Microsoft Access. We will move to a SaaS platform one day I'm sure, but Archi gets us value very very quickly.

As the only EA in my company (Aréas Assurance, French Insurance), I chose to Archimate for the Architecture Description of the company from Capacities to server...

+1,5
I do work as external advisor (now in architect role) for OTP Bank Hungary, for a project wo extensively use Archi.
Since for development I use ChatGpt as well, which is not allowed there also my small advisor company uses it.
(Némethy Moderato Kft.)

Hi,

We, at 'My Money Group' - a French banking group, despite its name ;) - are using Archimate and Archi as our standard architect's toolbox.

Thanks to coArchi, Gitlab CI/CD integration and a growing number of jArchi scripts, we are beginning our journey towards an open-source-based EA repository.

Archi : a great tool + a great community around!

Cheers,
Alexis

Hi,

Like in many other organizations, our organization "Qander Consumer Finance" was using PowerPoint for their Architectural needs.
Qander Consumer Finance is a Dutch financial company providing personal loans to our customers.

Since my appointment as Functional / Software Architect I aimed for standardization and as I was already somewhat familiar with ArchiMate® / ArchiMateTool, I chose to follow this path.

As I'm not a fulltime architect, I'm not using ArchiMateTool on a day to day basis but I'm slowly getting there.

Regards,
Rob van Eerd

Hi there,

Forgot to post here from the beginning, but around 40 IT architects - and our IT infrastructure suppliers - at the Dutch Railways (In dutch:"Nederlandse Spoorwegen", NS for short)  uses Archi together with coArchi and Bitbucket as tools mostly to model the Application and Technology layers of our IT environments. We like the flexibility, simplicity, maturity, ease-of-use and neat features as scripting of the Archi tool (ok, and low cost and easy to install also counts). We hope to give back our experience to this community to improve it even more..

Regards,

Remco 

Archi is used at DXC by a community of architects. It is a versatile tool to allow architects to model their concepts using archimate without an expensive tool and financial dependencies. The open source model that you have is great. Many of the DXC architects donate from their personal expense to your project, this is how good it is!
DXC uses however more professional tools like BizzDesign to create enterprise models. However, looking at Archi, it has a lot of potential to become more and more powerful towards the future, only if certain critical functions would be added that we miss in Archi, which are available in other commercial Archimate modelling packages.
That being said, it is great to see such post, and to use your Archi tool to express our thinking with our clients and align.

The VNG, an association that represents all Dutch municipalities, makes intensive use of Archi. In particular (but not only) for modeling the reference architecture for Dutch municipalities ('GEMMA'). The GEMMA is published via the website gemmaonline.nl. Views created with Archi are published there, among other things.
Archi repositories used within GEMMA are published at https://github.com/VNG-Realisatie/GEMMA-Archi-repository. They are used, among others, by municipalities and by software suppliers (who often, but not necessarily, also use Archi). Parts of the Archi models are also used within the software catalog (https://www.softwarecatalogue.nl) in which suppliers describe which software they supply and municipalities which software they use. The catalog makes visible, among other things, which software packages realize which application components and which standards they support.