The Open Digital Transformation Architecture (O-DXA) is the structural model of GEAR (Governing Enterprise Architecture Realization). It provides a domain-based map that helps organizations reason about transformation decisions across five interacting areas of responsibility.
O-DXA defines where coordination must hold. When activated by the FORGE practice and viewed through Execution Pillars, it enables architects to manage the Transformation Dimensions (People, Process, Policy, and Technology) at scale.
Intent, outcomes, tradeoffs, and root constraints.
Accountability, structure, and culture on the transformation dimensions.
Value flow, execution engine, and governance mechanisms.
Platforms, data, applications, and integration patterns.
Edge assets, environment-aware design, and real-world constraints.
The FORGE methodology (Find, Observe, Reconcile, Ground, Enhance) is the active engine of GEAR. It is used to navigate and update the O-DXA domains during a transformation.
During the Find and Observe stages, architects map the current state of all five O-DXA domains to identify silos and fragmentation.
The Reconcile stage focuses on aligning the domains—ensuring that strategic intent is reflected in organizational structure and digital platforms.
Ground and Enhance ensure that transformation is rooted in physical and digital reality while augmenting capabilities for the future.
The Execution Pillars are cross-cutting technical views that support the mission. Every execution pillar spans every structural domain. While you may lead with a specific pillar, sustainable results require alignment across strategy, organization, process, digital, and physical layers.
| Domain | Ubiquitous Computing | Edge Computing | AI | Cybersecurity | Data Management | Advanced Comms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic | platform direction | mission constraints | value & guardrails | risk posture | data strategy | interop goals |
| Organizational | skills & ownership | operations model | roles & governance | accountability | stewardship | governance |
| Process | delivery pipelines | real-time workflows | workflow changes | controls in flow | data ops | service management |
| Digital | cloud/hybrid stack | distributed apps | data, models, platforms | identity & security services | pipelines & platforms | network services |
| Physical | compute footprint | devices, power, sites | deployment constraints | devices & environments | sources & collection | coverage & constraints |
Digital transformation occurs across four dimensions: People, Process, Policy, and Technology. Each O-DXA domain contributes specific elements to these dimensions.
| Dimension | O-DXA Domain Elements | Example |
|---|---|---|
| People | Organizational structure, skills, culture, roles. | Transitioning from traditional IT to DevOps teams (Organizational Domain). |
| Process | Workflows, value streams, lifecycle management. | Automating the procurement lifecycle (Process Domain). |
| Policy | Strategic intent, governance, compliance, guardrails. | Establishing Zero Trust security mandates (Strategic Domain). |
| Technology | Digital platforms, data assets, edge devices, infrastructure. | Deploying a unified hybrid-cloud data platform (Digital Domain). |
Use the Six Pillars as a common language between business leaders, architects, and operators. From here you can dive into pillar pages, listen to interviews, or explore ODXA in depth.
Explore the foundational technical capabilities that enable digital transformation, from AI to advanced communications.
Navigate the structural layers of the enterprise to align strategy, people, processes, and technology.
Map Domain StructureUnderstand how to balance the critical dimensions of People, Process, Policy, and Technology in every initiative.
Understand DimensionsApply our active methodology to Find, Observe, Reconcile, Ground, and Enhance your transformation efforts.
Apply the PracticeBrowse all DTA episodes organized by aspect to see architectural guidance in practice.