GEAR: The Transformation Operating System
A systems architecture methodology for digital architects. Governing Enterprise Architecture Realization (GEAR) integrates the O-DXA structural model and the FORGE practice to align your organization's digital core.
The Transformation Operating System (TOS)
GEAR (Governing Enterprise Architecture Realization) is more than a framework—it is a system installed and run to manage the complexity of digital transformation. It answers the critical architectural questions by integrating four fundamental elements:
By treating transformation as a systems architecture problem, GEAR helps you eliminate the "hidden tax" of fragmentation and bridge the gap between executive strategy and operational reality.
Explore the GEAR Framework →How Domains and Pillars Converge
Convergence: Model Meets Practice
- The O-DXA domains provide the structural model (The "Where").
- The FORGE methodology provides the active practice (The "How").
- The Six Pillars provide evolving technical perspectives (The "What").
- The Four Dimensions define the alignment surface: People, Process, Policy, and Technology.
- Transformation is realized when perspectives are integrated across domains using the FORGE practice to maintain alignment on the surface.
The Result: Solutions
A "Solution" isn't a single pillar. It is the integration of all six capabilities to deliver a durable mission outcome.
This prevents "AI-only" or "Security-only" silos, forcing a whole-system design approach.
The Six Pillars at a Glance
Artificial Intelligence
Enables systems to learn, reason, and assist decision-making through data-driven models embedded across digital and operational workflows.
Explore AI →Data Management
Governs how data is collected, integrated, secured, and used to drive insights and decisions across the enterprise.
Explore Data →Cybersecurity
Protects systems, data, and missions through Zero Trust principles, resilience, and continuous risk management across all domains.
Explore Cybersecurity →Ubiquitous Computing
Provides consistent, portable compute capabilities across cloud, on-prem, and emerging platforms, allowing workloads to run wherever they are most effective.
Explore Ubiquitous Computing →Edge Computing
Brings processing and decision-making closer to where data is generated to support low-latency, resilient, and mission-critical operations in constrained environments.
Explore Edge →Advanced Communications
Delivers secure, resilient connectivity so data, systems, and people can operate as an integrated whole, even across clouds and contested networks.
Explore Communications →The FORGE Process & O-DXA
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.
Mapping the Domains
During the Find and Observe stages, architects map the current state of all five O-DXA domains to identify silos and fragmentation.
Closing the Gaps
The Reconcile stage focuses on aligning the domains—ensuring that strategic intent is reflected in organizational structure and digital platforms.
Real-World Implementation
Ground and Enhance ensure that transformation is rooted in physical and digital reality while augmenting capabilities for the future.
Transformation Dimensions in the Six Pillars
Technical capabilities are only as effective as the dimensions that support them. Every pillar is activated across People, Process, Policy, and Technology to ensure it moves from a technical silo into an enterprise asset.
| Dimension | Computing | Edge | AI | Cyber | Data | Comms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| People | platform engineering | distributed ops | prompt engineering | security awareness | data stewardship | network engineering |
| Process | workload migration | edge provisioning | MLOps lifecycle | incident response | data pipelines | connectivity management |
| Policy | resource allocation | data residency | AI ethics & bias | Zero Trust mandates | governance frameworks | access controls |
| Technology | hybrid-cloud fabric | gateway devices | model architectures | encryption & IAM | storage & lakehouses | 5G/SatCom hardware |
Quick Mapping: Pillars Across ODXA Domains
Every pillar spans every domain. The pillar you “lead with” sets focus, but the domains ensure completeness. Use this as a reminder that capability work always includes strategy, organization, process, digital enablement, and physical realities.
| 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 |
Next Steps on Your Transformation Journey
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.
The Six Pillars
Explore the foundational technical capabilities that enable digital transformation, from AI to advanced communications.
- Ubiquitous Computing
- Edge Computing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Data Management
- Advanced Communications
The ODXA Domains
Navigate the structural layers of the enterprise to align strategy, people, processes, and technology.
Map Domain StructureTransformation Dimensions
Understand how to balance the critical dimensions of People, Process, Policy, and Technology in every initiative.
Understand DimensionsFORGE Methodology
Apply our active methodology to Find, Observe, Reconcile, Ground, and Enhance your transformation efforts.
Apply the PracticeContinue Your Journey
Browse all DTA episodes organized by aspect to see architectural guidance in practice.