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The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF®)

What is The Open Group?

The Open Group is a vendor and technology neutral consortium. Its vision of Boundaryless Information Flow is about access to integrated information within and between enterprises based on open standards and global interoperability.

What is TOGAF®?

The Open Group defines TOGAF® as a framework - a detailed method and a set of supporting tools for developing IT and Enterprise Architecture.

There are many architecture frameworks, but TOGAF® is unique in containing a method for developing architecture - the TOGAF® Architecture Development Method (ADM). The ADM can be used with other popular frameworks and so we might call it framework-agnostic.

TOGAF® is the result of best practice, as gathered by The Open Group's Architecture Forum. Consequently, TOGAF's great strength is that it is non-proprietary and free to use. However, this does mean that architects need to customise and tailor TOGAF to their organisation's specific needs.

About TOGAF 8

TOGAF 8, The Open Group Architecture Framework, TOGAF 8 has been developed and continuously evolved since the mid-90's by representatives of some of the world's leading IT customer and vendor organizations, working in The Open Group's Architecture Forum. As a comprehensive, open method for Enterprise Architecture, TOGAF 8 complements, and can be used in conjunction with, other frameworks that are more focused on specific aspects of architecture or for vertical sectors such as Government, Defence, and Finance. TOGAF 8 will continue to be a entry standard for Enterprise Architects leading to TOGAF 8 certification. The Open Group recognizes the investment that companies have already made in TOGAF 8 and this standard will continue to be supported by the Open Group. Training program will continue for those who wish to remain with TOGAF 8 and those wishing to use TOGAF 8 as an entry to the next TOGAF version.

The four main parts of TOGAF 8

1. Introduction: This provides a high-level introduction to some of the key concepts behind enterprise architecture and in particular the TOGAF approach.

2. Architecture Development Method: This is the core of TOGAF. It describes the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) - a step-by-step approach to developing an enterprise architecture.

3. Enterprise Continuum: This describes the TOGAF Enterprise Continuum, a virtual repository of architecture assets, which includes the TOGAF® Foundation Architecture, and the Integrated Information Infrastructure Reference Model (III-RM).

4. Resources: This comprises the TOGAF Resource Base - a set of tools and techniques available for use in applying TOGAF® and the TOGAF® ADM.

About TOGAF 9

TOGAF 9 is a detailed method and set of supporting resources for developing an Enterprise Architecture. Developed and endorsed by the membership of The Open Group's Architecture Forum, TOGAF 9 represents an industry consensus framework and method for Enterprise Architecture that is available for use internally by any organization around the world - members and non-members of The Open Group alike - subject to license conditions.

As a comprehensive, open method for Enterprise Architecture, TOGAF 9 complements, and can be used in conjunction with, other frameworks that are more focused on specific aspects of architecture or for vertical sectors such as Government, Defense, and Finance.

The seven main parts of TOGAF 9

1. Introduction: This part provides a high-level introduction to the key concepts of enterprise architecture and in particular the TOGAF® approach. It contains the definitions of terms used throughout TOGAF and release notes detailing the changes between this version and the previous version of TOGAF.

2. Architecture Development Method: This part is the core of TOGAF. It describes the TOGAF® Architecture Development Method (ADM) - a step-by-step approach to developing an enterprise architecture.

3. ADM Guidelines and Techniques: This part contains a collection of guidelines and techniques available for use in applying TOGAF and the TOGAF® ADM.

4. Architecture Content Framework: This part describes the TOGAF® content framework, including a structured metamodel for architectural artifacts, the use of re-usable architecture building blocks, and an overview of typical architecture deliverables.

5. Enterprise Continuum & Tools: This part discusses appropriate taxonomies and tools to categorize and store the outputs of architecture activity within an enterprise.

6. TOGAF® Reference Models: This part provides a selection of architectural reference models, which includes the TOGAF Foundation Architecture, and the Integrated Information Infrastructure Reference Model (III-RM).

7. Architecture Capability Framework: This part discusses the organization, processes, skills, roles, and responsibilities required to establish and operate an architecture function within an enterprise.

Whats new in TOGAF 9

Modular Structure

TOGAF allows for the concepts in each part to be developed with limited impacts on other parts. The modular structure in TOGAF is intended to support greater usability, as each part has a defined purpose and can be read in isolation as a stand-alone set of guidelines.

Content Framework

TOGAF content framework provides a detailed model of architectural work products, including deliverables, artifacts within deliverables, and the architectural building blocks that artifacts represent.

Extended Guidance on Adopting TOGAF within an Enterprise

This version of TOGAF features an extended set of concepts and guidelines to support the establishment of an integrated hierarchy of architectures being developed by teams that operate within an overarching architectural governance model. In particular, the following concepts are introduced:

  • Partitioning
  • Architecture Repository
  • Capability Framework

Explicit Consideration of Architectural Styles, Including SOA and Security Architecture

The new Part III: ADM Guidelines & Techniques brings together a set of supporting materials that show in more detail how the ADM can be applied to specific situations.

Additional ADM Detail

This version of the TOGAF specification includes more detailed information supporting the execution of the ADM.

  • The Preliminary phase, which features extended guidance on establishing an enterprise architecture framework and planning for architecture development.
  • The Opportunities & Solutions phase and Migration Planning phase, which feature a more detailed and robust method for defining and planning enterprise transformation, based on the principles of capability-based planning.

More information about TOGAF