« Layers in IT security… | Home | Patterns in IT archit… »

TOGAF - The Open Group Architecture Framework

TOGAF means The Open Group Architecture Framework. It is an extensive method for establishing (Enterprise) Architectures.

TOGAF is one of the few methods not developed by one company (like for instance IAF and DYA). The Open Group is a consortium of companies and institutions, developing several standards.

TOGAF describes 4 types of architectures:

• Business architecture
• Information Systems architecture, which consists of:
• • Data architecture
  • Applications architecture
• Technical architecture

To develop these architecture, TOGAF is split in three parts:

• ADM: The Architecture Development Method;
• Enterprise Continuum;
• Resource base.

The ADM is the heart of TOGAF. It is a architecture development method. The method describes the following steps:

• Preliminary phase: Frameworks en Principles
• A: Architecture Vision
• B: Business Architecture
• C: Information Systems Architecture
• D: Technology Architecture
• E: Opportunities and Solutions
• F: Migration Planning
• G: Implementation Governance
• H: Architecture Change Management

Every step itself consists of (a large amount of) several smaller steps. Normally, all steps are done in sequel. If in phase H it is concluded that a change of architecture is necessary, the ADM can be re-started from phase A.

The Enterprise Continuum is a virtual repository containing all architecture assets (models, patterns, descriptions) of an enterprise. It starts as an empty framework, which is filled during the execution of the ADM steps.

The basis for an Enterprise Continuum can be the TOGAF Foundation Architecture. It consists of:

• Technical Reference Model (TRM) – a generic multi-layered model with which systems can be modeled.
• Standards Information Base (SIB) – a list of accepted standards that can be used in a architecture.
• Integrated Information Infrastructure Reference Model (III_RM) - a model for developing application architectures.

Industry standards can also be part of the Enterprise Continuum.

The resource base is a collection of resources, guidelines, templates and background information for using the ADM. Among other things, it contains architecture governance structures.

Because TOGAF is an open framework, the description can be found on the Internet. TOGAF is also published as a book (349 pages!).

While TOGAF is very extensive, and can be hard to master at first, I find it a very useful, complete method, full of practical guidelines. This makes TOGAF a good method to use in real enterprise situations.

The Open Group also has a TOGAF certification: TOGAF 8 Certified.

No comments: