A business interface declares how a business role connects with its environment.

The functionality provided by a business role is exposed to its environment by means of one or more business interfaces. Conversely, a business role may consume the functionality provided by other business roles via a business interface.

A business interface specifies how the functionality of a business role can be used by other business roles (provided interface), or which functionality the business roles requires from its environment (required interface).

A business interface exposes a business service provided by a business role or business collaboaration to its environment. A business service may also be exposed through different interfaces.

The name of a business interface should preferably be a noun.

Category: Business Layer and Active structure aspect

Examples: Telephone, Email, Call centre, Web form, Help desk.

Typical Relationships:

  • Assignment - business actor, business role, business collaboration, business service

Source: Archi - The Free ArchiMate Modelling Tool - Hint for the model element.