Reference architecture pattern role data representing reference architecture pattern roles to be associated with entities taking part in the development, and/or deployment, and/or operation of an application is generated. Reference architecture pattern tier data representing reference architecture pattern tiers used to create, and/or deploy, and/or operate an application using the reference architecture pattern is generated. For each reference architecture pattern role at least one access and/or operational permission is associated with each reference architecture pattern tier. At least one entity is assigned one of the reference architecture pattern roles and for each reference architecture pattern tier, the at least one entity is automatically provided the at least one access and/or operational permission associated with the reference architecture pattern role assigned to the entity.