Introduction and scope

The ArcGIS Well-Architected Framework aims to provide strong, clear guidance to assist with the design and implementation of ArcGIS systems. The process of architecting a system can vary widely, and depends on many factors, including:

• The existing use (and maturity) of ArcGIS within an organization
• The stability and completeness of the defined requirements for a system
• The types and importance of integrations with other enterprise business systems
• The size and type of team dedicated to the project
• The support provided to the architect by an IT or enterprise systems organization

While many organizations build and evolve ArcGIS systems organically, designing, deploying, and operating well-architected systems using ArcGIS requires planning, rigor, and a clear approach. This section of the website provides guidance on the overall process of architecting systems, including a range of best practices that are commonly seen at high-performing organizations.

This site does not present a specific multi-step architecture process that can or should be followed by all organizations. Instead, the site describes architecture approaches, design principles such as environment isolation, as well as deployment concepts such virtualization and forward proxies intended to help architects design capable, resilient systems.