##  Introduction to Applications
Applications are software systems or programs designed to process, analyze, and manage business data. They enable organizations to perform tasks, run processes, and support various aspects of their business models. Applications play a critical role in ensuring operational efficiency, driving innovation, and aligning IT systems with business objectives.
In SAP LeanIX, applications are central to building a comprehensive enterprise architecture landscape. They serve as the foundation for understanding dependencies, identifying optimization opportunities, and ensuring alignment between IT and business strategies. Properly modeling applications allows organizations to gain insights into their lifecycle, associated technologies, and integration points, which are essential for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
To learn how to model applications, see [Application Modeling Guidelines](https://help.sap.com/docs/leanix/ea/application-modeling-guidelines?locale=en-US&state=PRODUCTION&version=CLOUD "This page guides you on modeling applications, covering subtypes, best practices, versioning, hierarchies, and use cases. Avoid common antipatterns and gain valuable insights.").
