Product Definition. The High Level Operational Concept Graphic describes a mission and highlights main operational nodes (see OV-2 definition) and interesting or unique aspects of operations. It provides a description of the interactions between the subject architecture and its environment, and between the architecture and external systems. A textual description accompanying the graphic is crucial. Graphics alone are not sufficient for capturing the necessary architecture data.

Product Purpose. The purpose of OV-1 is to provide a quick, high- level description of what the architecture is supposed to do, and how it is supposed to do it. This product can be used to orient and focus detailed discussions. Its main utility is as a facilitator of human communication, and it is intended for presentation to high-level decision makers.

Product Detailed Description. OV-1 consists of a graphical executive summary for a given architecture with accompanying text. The product identifies the mission/domain covered in the architecture and the viewpoint reflected in the architecture. OV-1 should convey, in simple terms, what the architecture is about and an idea of the players and operations involved.

The content of OV-1 depends on the scope and intent of the architecture, but in general it describes the business processes or missions, high- level operatio ns, organizations, and geographical distribution of assets. The product should frame the operational concept (what happens, who does what, in what order, to accomplish what goal) and highlight interactions to the environment and other external systems.

During the course of developing an architecture, several versions of this product may be produced. An initial version may be produced to focus the effort and illustrate its scope. After other products within the architecture’s scope have been developed and verified, another version of this product may be produced to reflect adjustments to the scope and other architecture details that may have been identified as a result of the architecture development. After the architecture has been used for its intended purpose and the appropriate analysis has been completed, yet another version may be produced to summarize these findings to present them to high- level decision makers.

OV-1 is the most general of the architecture products and the most flexible in format. Because the format is freeform and variable, no template is shown for this product. However, the product usually consists of one or more graphics (or possibly a movie), as needed, as well as explanatory text.