What is OPEN SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE? What does OPEN SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE mean? OPEN SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE meaning - OPEN SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE definition - OPEN SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE explanation.<br /><br />Open systems architecture, in telecommunication, is a standard that describes the layered hierarchical structure, configuration, or model of a communications or distributed data processing system that:<br /><br />1. Enables system description, design, development, installation, operation, improvement, and maintenance to be performed at a given layer or layers in the hierarchical structure.<br />2. Allows each layer to provide a set of accessible functions that can be controlled and used by the functions in the layer above it.<br />3. Enables each layer to be implemented without affecting the implementation of other layers.<br />4. Allows the alteration of system performance by the modification of one or more layers without altering the existing equipment, procedures, and protocols at the remaining layers.<br /><br />Open systems architecture may be implemented using the OSI Model as a guide while designing the system to meet performance requirements.