Which document serves as the deliverable container for various architectural artifacts?

The Architecture Definition Document is considered the deliverable container for various architectural artifacts because it provides a comprehensive compilation of the architecture framework, including the principles, models, and various components that define the architecture of an enterprise. This document offers a structured approach to documenting and presenting the essential aspects of the architecture, ensuring that all relevant artifacts are collected in one place.

By serving as a central repository, the Architecture Definition Document allows stakeholders to understand the entirety of the architecture in a coherent manner. It typically includes details about the architecture landscape, different viewpoints, and specific decisions made during the architecture development process. This makes it easier for organizations to communicate architectural decisions across teams and ensures alignment with enterprise goals.

On the other hand, while documents such as the Architecture Contract, Architecture Requirements Specification, and Architecture Vision also play crucial roles in the architectural development process, they do not serve specifically as the container for various artifacts. The Architecture Contract pertains more to governance and agreements on the architecture, the Architecture Requirements Specification focuses on the requirements for the architecture, and the Architecture Vision outlines the high-level goals and direction of the architecture rather than the detailed artifacts themselves.