An information systems architecture is a specification of the information, computational elements, people, and underlying concepts in a services system. Accordingly, an associated data architecture is a specification of how data is stored, processed, and used in a system of record. A given data architecture effectively governs the flow of data in a system and establishes a relationship between an organization’s processes and it’s supporting information systems. Data architecture for an enterprise describes its applications, hardware, networks, business objects, business processes, and data. As such, it encompasses a complex set of definitions, methods, data types, and relationships. This paper introduces the concept of ontology applied to information systems and describes the essential elements of data architecture.
Katzan, Harry, "Ontological Elements for Information Systems Architecture " (2007). SAIS 2007 Proceedings. 43.