Architecture decisions that hold up

Nobody remembers why the system was built this way, so every review reopens it.

Record decisions while the reasons are fresh, zone the estate so teams know where they may build, and plan replacements one seam at a time. The ADR template is the habit; the maps are the plan.

Downloads

Files you keep and edit: PDF, Excel, Word or PowerPoint. Most show part of the file before you ask for it.

Template
Architecture Decision Record (ADR) Template
A template for recording an architecture decision: context, options considered, the decision and its consequences.
Canvas
Architecture Zoning Map
A map of the technology estate as a city plan: zones, integration roads, shared utilities and no-build rules.
Canvas
Strangler-Fig Migration Map
A canvas for replacing a legacy system in pieces: find its seams, map the dependencies and order the cut-overs.
Form and approval path
Standard-Exception Request Template
A one-form request for an exception to a technology standard, with risk, a time limit and an approval path.
Template
Business Capability Map Template
A Level 1 and Level 2 capability map for a generic enterprise, scored for importance, maturity and application coverage as heat maps.
Worksheet
Application Rationalization Worksheet
Score each application on business value and technical fit, derive a TIME disposition with an override, and total the cost by disposition.

Online tools

Fill in the page and get the result on screen. No account needed.

Apps

Enter your situation and get the analysis back: a score, a draft or a plan. They run with a CIOPages account.

Part of the job Modernize the estate.

Other sets

Keep reading

Free form and approval path

Standard-Exception Request Template

A one-form request for an exception to a technology standard, with risk, a time limit and an approval path.

Decision tool

Microservices vs. Monolith Decision Tool

8-question guide to choosing the right architecture for your team and context.