Extend the use of Contract

I propose that we extend the semantics of the Contract Element. Currently this concept is tied by its definition to the Product concept, with the Contract visible to both the Service Consumer and the Service Provider.

But I think it is useful in other contexts too. For example ArchiMate is currently weak in expressing Governance ideas, such as Controls and Measures. To show Controls and Measures I have associated Contract with Business Process, but I feel this strays somewhat from the current semantics.

My suggestion therefore is to define a Contract as any agreement, formal or informal, between 2 or more parties, that regulates some matter of mutual interest, and remove the explicit reference to a Product. Examples of the use of Contract will include the association with a Product (collection of Services), and with any external or internal behaviour.