Open architecture

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Open architecture is a type of computer architecture or software architecture that allows adding, upgrading and swapping components. For example, the IBM PC has an open architecture, whereas the Amiga 500 home computer had a closed architecture, where the hardware manufacturer chooses the components, and they are not generally upgradable.

Open architecure is also beginning to be pushed to extend into the context of Architectural Design of Buildings by the group Architecture for Humanity. The group has developed a project called the Open Architecture Network which aims to bring the discipline of Architecture away from the closed format which is promoted by firms that choose not to share their work.

Open architecture allows potential users to see inside all or parts of the architecture without any proprietary constraints. Typically, an open architecture publishes all or parts of its architecture that the developer or integrator wants to share. The open business processes involved with an open architecture may require some license agreements between entities sharing the architecture information.