Final answer:
EA artifacts like Designs, Standards, and Visions embody both guiding principles and practical applications making them dual in nature. They link theoretical frameworks to actionable guidelines, while Landscapes map the current enterprise architecture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Within the context of Enterprise Architecture (EA), certain artifacts can be considered to have a dual nature. Such artifacts are understood to embody both guiding principles and the practical applications of those principles within the architecture. Artifacts of a dual nature typically include Designs, Standards, and Visions. These are crucial in the development and maintenance of an enterprise's architecture as they provide both a theoretical framework and actionable guidance for implementation. Designs often illustrate the conceptual and practical details of systems; Standards set the rules for implementation and interoperability across the business; Visions define the strategic direction and future state of the architecture, serving as a bridge between current operations and long-term goals. These elements should be crafted to be adaptable, allowing the architecture to evolve alongside the shifting needs and strategies of the enterprise.
Landscape artifacts, on the other hand, tend to be more about the current state of the architecture within the business environment and are less about dualistic guiding principles. They are maps of the current architectural space within which an enterprise operates, showing how different components interact and are connected.