Chapter

The Open Group Enterprise Architecture Framework (TOGAF) Collection

What is TOGAF? TOGAF: The Open Group Architecture Framework
The TOGAF® Standard, Version 9.2 Overview
The TOGAF® Standard is an open standard for enterprise architecture that provides a comprehensive approach to architecture design, development, and governance. It was created by The Open Group, an international consortium of more than 370 companies and organizations that produce and deliver leading-edge software, systems, and services. TOGAF is used by organizations all over the world to help them improve their business efficiency and effectiveness and realize a greater return on investment. It is an industry-standard architecture framework that may be used freely by your organization to develop an information systems architecture.

The TOGAF Body of Knowledge is a comprehensive guide to the TOGAF standard, the different versions and their evolution.

In addition, TOGAF is a popular framework because it’s open source. This means that businesses can access the guidelines and best practices for free, without needing to pay a consultant or licensing fees. TOGAF also offers certification for business professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in using the framework.

The TOGAF framework is an open standard that provides a comprehensive and consistent approach for designing, planning, implementing, and governing information technology (IT) architectures. The Open Group created TOGAF in order to achieve the following:

ensure everyone speaks the same language,
avoid lock-in to proprietary solutions by standardizing to open methods for enterprise architecture,
save time and money and utilize resources more effectively and
achieve demonstrable ROI.

What Kind of Architecture Does TOGAF Deal With?
There are four architecture domains that are commonly accepted as subsets of an overall enterprise architecture: business, data, application, and technology. TOGAF is designed to support all four of these domains.

Business Architecture, for example, defines the business strategy, governance, organization, and key business processes.
Data Architecture describes the structure of an organization’s logical and physical data assets and data management resources.
Application Architecture provides a blueprint for the individual application systems to be deployed. This blueprint also accounts for their interactions and relationships with the core business processes of the organization.
Technology Architecture is another architecture that TOGAF deals with. It encompasses the logical software and hardware capabilities required to support the deployment of business, data, and application services. This includes IT infrastructure, middleware, networks, communications, processing, standards etc.

TOGAF can help organizations build an architecture that is scalable, reliable, and secure. It encompasses all aspects of an organization’s information technology environment, from strategic planning down to detailed design and implementation.

The contents of the TOGAF standard reflect the structure and content of an Architecture Capability within an enterprise

About the TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2

The TOGAF 9.2 standard is the latest version of the Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF). It provides an unambiguous and authoritative description of how to build an enterprise architecture that meets the needs of business and IT stakeholders.
The TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2 has been released as an update to the previous version and provides improved guidance, document structure, and corrections while removing obsolete content.
Key enhancements made in this version include updates to the Business Architecture and the Content Metamodel making it easier to use and maintain the TOGAF framework.
TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2, however, does retain the following main features and structure of Version 9.1:
Modular Structure
The TOGAF standard, Version 9.2 has a modular structure that allows for
Greater usability: Each part of the standard has a defined purpose, making it easier to use in isolation as a standalone set of guidelines.
TOGAF standard can be incrementally adopted, which means that businesses can start using it at any stage.
The accompanying portfolio of guidance material, known as the TOGAF Library, helps architects apply the TOGAF approach in a practical way.
Content Framework
In detail, the TOGAF standard provides a content framework to help organizations create greater consistency in their architecture outputs. The framework includes a model of architectural work products that are generated during the Architecture Development Method (ADM). This helps ensure that all stakeholders have a common understanding of the end goal and what steps need to be taken along the way.
Extended Guidance
The TOGAF standard is a comprehensive framework that provides organizations with the concepts and guidelines necessary to establish an integrated hierarchy of architectures. The framework spans multiple teams within an organization and allows for the development of architectures that are compliant with overarching architectural governance models. It includes, In particular, the following concepts:
Partitioning – techniques and considerations on how to partition the various architectures within an enterprise
Architecture Repository – a logical information model for an Architecture Repository which can be used as an integrated store for all outputs created by executing the ADM
Capability Framework – a structured definition of the organization, skills, roles, and responsibilities required to operate an effective Enterprise Architecture Capability; the TOGAF standard also provides guidance on a process that can be followed to identify and establish an appropriate Architecture Capability
Architectural Styles
The design of the TOGAF standard is meant to be flexible so as to allow it to be used with various architectural styles. Examples are provided both in the TOGAF standard, in Part III (ADM Guidelines and Techniques), and in the TOGAF Library.
These comprise a set of supporting materials that show in detail how the ADM can be applied to specific situations; for example:
The varying uses of iteration that are possible within the ADM and when each technique should be applied
The various types of architecture development required within an enterprise and how these relate to one another
The use of the TOGAF ADM with Service-Oriented Architectures (SOAs), risk and security, etc. (these specific examples are documented in the TOGAF Library)
Additional ADM Detail
Additional detailed information for supporting the execution of the ADM is included in TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2 . The areas of enhancement are:
The Architecture Vision and Business Architecture phases feature extended guidance on development of the Business Architecture; this includes focus on Business Capabilities, Value Streams, and Organization Maps
The Technology Architecture phase recognizes that emerging technologies are increasingly leading to technology-driven change
Supporting Guides
An important change introduced with the TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2 is the addition of TOGAF Series Guides and related Guides from The Open Group. These allow for additional guidance to be provided and also maintained separately from the standard.
Support for establishing and developing an Enterprise Architecture:
TOGAF® Series Guide: The TOGAF® Leader’s Guide to Establishing and Evolving an EA Capability
TOGAF® Series Guide: A Practitioners’ Approach to Developing Enterprise Architecture Following the TOGAF® ADM
Support for Business Architecture:
TOGAF® Series Guide: Value Streams
Business Capabilities, an Open Group Guide
Example reference models:
TOGAF® Series Guide: The TOGAF® Technical Reference Model (TRM)
TOGAF® Series Guide: The TOGAF® Integrated Information Infrastructure Reference Model (III-RM): An Architected Approach to Boundaryless Information Flow™
Guidance for SOA:
TOGAF® Series Guide: Using the TOGAF® Framework to Define and Govern Service-Oriented Architectures
Guidance for identifying business requirements:
TOGAF® Series Guide: Business Scenarios
How did TOGAF evolve?
TOGAF is based on TAFIM (Technical Architecture Framework for Information Management), an IT management framework developed by the U.S. Defense Department in the 1990s. The DoD released TAFIM as a reference model for enterprise architecture, offering insight into their own technical infrastructure, including how it’s structured, maintained and configured to align with specific requirements. Since 1999, the DoD hasn’t used the TAFIM, and it’s been eliminated from all process documentation. TOGAF was created to fill this gap and provide an updated reference model for enterprise architecture that is still relevant today.
At the heart of TODAF is the Architecture Development Method (ADM) which assists businesses in establishing a process around enterprise architecture lifecycle. The ADM can be adapted and customized to a specific organizational need, which in turn can help inform the business’s approach to information architecture. By establishing requirements through multiple check points, an organization can repeat the ADM process with minimal errors and create efficiencies within their business.
1995: TOGAF released based on the concepts of TAFIM Framework
2001: TOGAF 7 “Technical Edition”
2002: TOGAF 8 “Enterprise Edition”
2003: TOGAF 8.1 (updated from TOGAF 8)
2005: The Open Group takes over TOGAF
2006: Version 8.1.1 is released in November
2009: Version 9 is introduced detailing a new framework with extended guidelines and techniques
2011: TOGAF Version 9.1 is released
2018: TOGAF Standard, Version 9.2 (current version) is released in April and becomes mandatory in November
How Does TOGAF Work?
TOGAF is an enterprise architecture framework that embodies the concept of the Enterprise Continuum. This means that it provides a way for different actors within an organization to communicate and work together on developing an IT architecture. TOGAF also allows for the use of multiple frameworks, models, and assets in conjunction with its own Foundation Architecture. TOGAF provides all the necessary assets to carry out architectural development.
ToGAF is a comprehensive framework for enterprise architecture that defines how an organization should develop and manage its information systems. Within the Enterprise Continuum, the 10 phases of the TOGAF are designed to help businesses develop an Information System in an open, accountable, and business-centric way.
Preliminary Phase: In order to understand how TOGAF works, it is important to first understand the preparatory and initiation activities that are necessary. Before anything else, an Architecture Capability must be created, which includes customizing TOGAF for your organization, selecting appropriate tools, and defining Architecture Principles.
Requirements Management: This phase ensures that every stage of a TOGAF project is based on and validates, business requirements. Requirements are identified, stored, and fed into and out of the relevant ADM phases, which dispose of, address, and prioritize requirements.
Phase A: Architecture Vision: Businesses must –
Set the scope, constraints, and expectations for a TOGAF project.
Create the Architecture Vision.
Identify stakeholders.
Validate the business context and create the Statement of Architecture Work.
Obtain approvals.
Phase B: Business Architecture
The fundamental organization of a business, embodied in
its business processes and people,
their relationships
to each other and the environment,
and the principles governing its design and evolution
Shows how the organization meets its business goals
Phase C: Information Systems Architectures
The fundamental organization of an IT system, embodied in
The major types of information and applications that process them
relationships to each other and the environment, and the principles governing its design and evolution
Shows how the IT systems meets the business goals of the enterprise
Phase D Technology Architecture
The fundamental organization of an IT system, embodied in
its hardware, software and communications technology
their relationships to each other and the environment,
and the principles governing its design and evolution
Phase E: Opportunities and Solutions
Perform initial implementation planning and the identification of delivery vehicles for the building blocks identified in the previous phases.
Determine whether an incremental approach is required, and if so identify Transition Architectures.
Phase F: Migration Planning – Develop detailed Implementation and Migration Plan that addresses how to move from the Baseline to the Target Architecture.
Phase G: Implementation Governance
Provide architectural oversight for the implementation.
Prepare and issue Architecture Contracts.
Ensure that the implementation project conforms to the architecture.
Phase H: Architecture Change Management – Provide continual monitoring and a change management process to ensure that the architecture responds to the needs of the enterprise, and maximizes the business value.
While TOGAF is generally useful for large corporations; smaller firms may benefit from using a scaled down Architecture Development Model (ADM).
The ADM, or Architecture Development Methodology, is a key part of TOGAF and provides a foundation for practitioners to work from. The ADM is not prescriptive like other frameworks, instead offering a more flexible approach that can be tailored to the specific needs of the project. The ADM provides a foundation for practitioners to build on, rather than offering a stringent ‘one size fits all’ approach. The ADM outlines a cycle of key steps that professionals can follow in order to develop an enterprise architecture.
TOGAF Certification
TOGAF certification is a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to use the TOGAF framework to deploy new technology and successfully manage enterprise architecture. The certification covers all aspects of TOGAF, from understanding the methodology to applying it in practical scenarios.
The TOGAF for People Certification program is designed to provide a clear path for professional development. Currently, there are four certifications available through The Open Group. However, it should be noted that the certification program summary carries a disclaimer that “it is not intended to validate the ability of Candidates to use the TOGAF standard effectively in practice, nor to determine whether Candidates are competent IT or Enterprise Architects.”
The TOGAF 9 Foundation certification is the first step in earning your TOGAF Certification. This credential is for professionals who have a basic understanding of the TOGAF 9 standard and is designed to verify their knowledge of the terminology, structure and basic concepts. In order to earn this certification, you must pass the Part 1 test.
In order to earn the TOGAF 9 Certified credential, you must pass both the Part 1 and Part 2 exams. The TOGAF 9 Certified credential signifies that you have a deeper understanding of the TOGAF 9 standard and can analyze and apply your knowledge in the development of an enterprise architecture.
Earning your TOGAF certification is a great way to show your dedication and expertise in the field of business architecture. TOGAF certification is for professionals who want to demonstrate their understanding of and ability to use the business modeling, TOGAF business scenarios, information mapping, and other processes needed to develop a business architecture based on the TOGAF standard 9.2 specification. In order to earn this credential, you must pass the Business Architecture Part 1 exam.
The TOGAF Essentials 2018 Certification is for professionals who know and understand changes introduced in the TOGAF Body of Knowledge in 2018. You must take at least three hours of training and answer 20 multiple-choice questions. Once you complete the training element, you will be invited by The Open Group to take the online assessment. To earn this credential, you must be TOGAF 9 Certified.
Earning a TOGAF certification is an indication that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively design, develop, and manage enterprise architecture using the TOGAF framework. There are three levels of certification:
– The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) Foundation
– The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) Certified
– The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) Distinguished
In short, TOGAF Certification is one of the most popular and well-respected enterprise architecture certifications in the world. Earning your certification demonstrates that you are at the top of your game and have a deep understanding of the TOGAF framework. Additionally, there are many areas where having a TOGAF certification can provide a significant return on investment.
The TOGAF certification is globally recognized and helps individuals learn about the Open Group Architecture Framework. The certification validates a full understanding of the structure of TOGAF, why every element is in place, and how it can be used to improve an organization’s IT infrastructure. Additionally, with knowledge of an organization’s IT infrastructure, employees can collaborate more effectively across teams, redundancies can be reduced, and overall effectiveness can be increased.
Benefits of using TOGAF
Increases the efficiency of enterprise architecture development: An organization’s architecture is a blueprint of its workings, and it is important to have a well-defined architecture in order to ensure that all essential elements are considered. This includes the IT infrastructure, the various departments, investors and stakeholders, etc. In order to keep up with the competition, organizations need to be able to change their strategies on a dime. This can often mean making significant changes to their company architecture. However, creating and developing a new company architecture can be time-consuming, difficult, and require a lot of expertise. That’s where TOGAF comes in – it provides organizations with a framework for creating and implementing an effective company architecture.
Helps in futureproofing organizations: A TOGAF-based architecture provides a blueprint that can be used repeatedly. Once a company’s IT capabilities and structures have been mapped out, it can be refined and reused as needed. Additionally, any changes made to the system can be incorporated into the existing blueprint, ensuring that the company’s IT infrastructure remains up-to-date. One of the key benefits of using TOGAF is that it has been around for 25 years and businesses have had a chance to refine their processes with each update. Additionally, because TOGAF is an open standard, businesses can continue to improve their efficiency through new tools and methodologies that are introduced with every update.
Provides a common terminology across the world: Another reason why TOGAF is so popular is because of its concise and common terminologies. The professionals who use TOGAF understand the terminology, which helps in communicating effectively with other industries. This is a great benefit as it makes collaboration smoother and easier between different enterprises. One of its main benefits is that professionals can use it to focus on their work and solve company-wide problems quickly. Additionally, TOGAF helps identify potential errors and provides practical solutions quickly.
Recognition and low cost of TOGAF certification: TOGAF helps businesses to save a lot of time, effort, and money. The TOGAF certification is globally recognized and many businesses prefer to hire certified professionals. The cost of becoming a TOGAF certified professional is also very low when compared to other certifications. Businesses, therefore, can provide TOGAF training and certification without concern for cost. The certification not only helps in career growth but also helps in understanding the business domain. TOGAF is updated regularly, so certified professionals can keep enhancing their knowledge.
Flexibility of the TOGAF Framework: TOFGAF is an excellent option for organizations who want to create successful architectures. The framework is very organic, meaning that it allows the flow of information and ideas to move smoothly and without disruption. In addition, TOGAF is very flexible; it can be molded into a unique framework that meets the specific needs of your organization. Plus, additional frameworks can be integrated to provide even more customization.
Better Return on investment: The TOGAF framework is an excellent option for organizations that want to have a well-defined structure for their existing and planned systems. Additionally, it can lead to reduced complexity in the IT infrastructure, maximum return on investment in existing IT infrastructure, flexibility to make, buy, or outsource IT solutions, and reduced risk overall in new investments. All of these benefits come with the costs of TOGAF certification being lower than other frameworks.
Faster, Simpler and Cheaper Procurement: Organizations can have a coherent strategy for future procurement and migration, making buying decisions simpler as all the relevant information is readily available in one place. Procurement processes are faster and more flexible, without sacrificing architectural coherence.
Continuous Evolution of TOGAF: TOGAF is continually being improved by introducing new tools and techniques to make the overall process smooth. However, the core principle and framework of TOGAF is still intact without any considerable changes. Hence, the employees who are familiar with its older versions can work effectively with ones who have up-to-date knowledge.
What are the limitations?
TOGAF is a comprehensive framework for enterprise architecture. However, it does have some limitations.
The repository is not well defined and lacks depth and practical usages.
There are no templates included in TOGAF. This makes it difficult to use TOGAF effectively without having to create your own templates.
TOGAF focuses on the implementation level instead of the solution architecture level which can be limiting.
TOGAF is designed for companies with hierarchical and departmentalized structures. This can make it difficult to use in organizations that are more fluid or have less traditional structures. Additionally, TOGAF does not include everything you need to create an architecture – you will need to supplement it with other frameworks or methods.
TOGAF is a comprehensive framework for enterprise architecture, but it takes time to learn all of the specification’s details. There are many modules and layers to TOGAF, so architects need to be familiar with the framework in order to use it effectively. Additionally, not everyone agrees that TOGAF is the best framework available, so companies should weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to adopt it.
There are many benefits to becoming TOGAF certified. However, the professional value of TOGAF is limited if you don’t have the time and wherewithal to learn it. The certification process can be rigorous and requires a significant investment of both time and money.
Criticism of TOGAF
A most comprehensive look at the criticism of TOGAF is detailed in a two-part blog by Roger Evernden, a British Enterprise Architect, where he looks at ten of the most common complaints of TOGAF critics. These are:
TOGAF is not Enterprise Architecture: Some say that TOGAF is only a subset of what constitutes EA and that it’s important to learn about EA in general and not consider TOGAF certification as the destination.
TOGAF is not best practice: On the one hand, TOGAF is a commendable effort to document some of the things that enterprise architects do. However, it does not necessarily reflect what the best architects in the world are doing! Additionally, there is often a lag between leading edge EA practice and the documentation of that practice in TOGAF.
TOGAF is wordy, complicated, and difficult to apply: TOGAF has been critiqued for its use of difficult language. Adopting TOGAF can be a challenge because of the many rigid terms it introduces. These terms often lead to enterprise architects spending time and brain-power debating their meanings, rather than solving business problems.
TOGAF isn’t a framework: Critics of TOGAF argue that it is not a groundbreaking methodology, but merely another flawed architecture-based planning methodology. This perspective is based on the idea that TOGAF “flows” in the same stream of architecture-based planning methodologies together with BSP, Method/1, Information Engineering, EAP, FEAF and all other earlier faddish methodologies. These critics claim that TOGAF has never worked well in real organizations and is nothing more than a management fad.
TOGAF is too IT-centric: On the other hand, TOGAF is heavily IT-centric and does not take into account the business side of things as much. This criticism can be levied at most EA frameworks, as IT is a necessary backbone for most enterprises. However, EA should take into account all aspects of the enterprise, including the management, people, skills, products, and events. In short, TOGAF is a great starting point for Enterprise Architecture (EA), but it should be supplemented with practice that considers the broader business, organizational, and environmental context. Changes that are largely about IT create a huge ripple effect that can impact business operations, organizational management, and how the enterprise behaves and performs in its environment.
TOGAF is never really used in practice: Critics of TOGAF argue that, while it may have some value, this value is largely “symbolic.” They claim that TOGAF has nothing to do with a successful EA practice. Instead, they say, success depends on the skill and experience of the practitioners involved.
TOGAF certification is too simplistic: Some people argue that TOGAF certification is too simplistic. While it is true that one cannot learn any professional discipline in four days, asking a series of multiple choice questions is not an effective way of helping a student to understand their strengths and weaknesses as an enterprise architect. Unfortunately, TOGAF has been met with criticism because not everyone believes that it is an adequate foundation for an EA career. However, many people do see it as a reasonable starting point. The fact that there are so many certified “practitioners” around the globe has given some people the impression that all you need to do to become an Enterprise Architect is gain the TOGAF certification.
TOGAF dominates the EA world: Critics have said that TOGAF is nothing more than a basic framework which doesn’t provide much value. They claim that the Open Group has done a great job in marketing it and getting people certified, but TOGAF doesn’t really offer anything substantial. Additionally, there is a perception among those who are not familiar with EA that TOGAF represents what enterprise architecture is. However, this is not actually the case, as TOGAF only provides a basic framework.
TOGAF is not based on evidence or research: The TOGAF documentation has been criticized for not including detailed references to show that its recommendations are based on research into or evidence about enterprise architecture practice. Additionally, the TOGAF documentation includes a few references to sources of information or links to additional resources. It is based on the contributions of experts in the field, and it has been refined over time through feedback from users. And as such, TOGAF is experience-based and not academically proven.
TOGAF isn’t updated frequently enough:
There is a lot of discussion about TOGAF and how it can be improved. Some people argue that the documentation-heavy approach does not work well for EA as a discipline that is still evolving and discovering itself. Others suggest that a more Wiki-like system would allow for better updates and contributions from the community. The Open Group takes great care in producing high-quality, consistent documentation, but this may come at the expense of agility. Critics of TOGAF argue that it is difficult to update the documentation because making sure that the documentation is consistent and ensuring that all cross references and links are correct takes a significant amount of time and effort. Furthermore, any change to the documentation can have far-reaching consequences throughout the rest of the document. As a result, updates to TOGAF are infrequent.

An Executive Overview of TOGAF 9

This presentation introduces The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) Version 9 and discusses how it helps create an enterprise architecture. (60 pages)

Primer on the TOGAF Framework

This primer offers an in-depth look into the TOGAF framework, a proven methodology for aligning technology initiatives with business objectives. Ideal for CIOs and IT professionals committed to driving organizational success. (100+ pages)

A Quick Introduction to The Open Group Framework (TOGAF)

Are you a busy CIO or IT leader looking to align technology with business goals? This quick introduction to the TOGAF framework offers actionable insights to tackle real-world challenges in enterprise architecture, all in a digestible format.

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