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Commonly confused · Business Platforms & EA

TOGAF ABB vs SBB: What's the Difference?

In TOGAF, an Architecture Building Block describes a required capability in vendor-neutral terms, defining what is needed. A Solution Building Block is a specific product, package, or component that implements that capability, defining how it will be delivered.

Architecture Building Block (ABB)

Full definition
vs

Solution Building Block (SBB)

Full definition
Architecture Building BlockSolution Building Block
DescribesWhat functionality is requiredHow it is implemented
Vendor specific?No, technology and vendor neutralYes, specific products or components
Defined inPhases B, C, D (architecture definition)Phase E onward (Opportunities and Solutions)
Enterprise ContinuumArchitecture ContinuumSolutions Continuum
ExampleCustomer relationship management capabilityA specific CRM product configured for the business
Remember it

ABB is the requirement; SBB is the product that fulfills it.

Exam tip

TOGAF exams test which continuum each belongs to and in which ADM phase they are identified. ABBs guide SBB selection, and one ABB may be realized by several SBBs.

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