TOGAF

Also known as: The Open Group Architecture Framework

framework · governance and compliance · regulatory-standard

Enterprise architecture framework with Architecture Development Method (ADM) and content metamodel.

TOGAF is the dominant enterprise architecture framework, originally derived from the US Department of Defense's Technical Architecture Framework for Information Management (TAFIM) and developed by The Open Group from 1995 onward. Its central contribution is the Architecture Development Method (ADM), a phase-based iterative process from preliminary phase and architecture vision through business, information systems, and technology architectures, opportunities and solutions, migration planning, implementation governance, and architecture change management, with requirements management throughout. TOGAF is paired with a content metamodel describing the artifacts produced at each phase, the Enterprise Continuum and Architecture Repository for managing architectural assets, and the Architecture Capability Framework for organizing the EA function. The current TOGAF Standard (10th Edition, 2022) restructured the body of guidance into a smaller core and a larger series of practitioner-focused guides.

Originators

The Open Group (consortium); originally derived from US Department of Defense TAFIM high

Year / Decade

1995 (initial); 2022 (TOGAF 10) high

Primary sources

The Open Group (2022). The TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition high

Core components

Architecture Development Method (ADM, 8 phases plus Requirements Management)
Architecture Content Framework and metamodel
Enterprise Continuum and Architecture Repository
Architecture Capability Framework
Architecture Governance
Phases A-H plus Preliminary and Requirements Management

Primary use case

Enterprise architecture practice in large organizations; basis for EA team operating models; framework for architecture artifacts and governance.

Common criticisms

ADM linearity is a poor fit for agile and product-team operating models
documentation orientation can produce architecture artifacts disconnected from delivery
framework can become an end in itself
certification industry incentivizes credentials over capability
criticized as describing what architects do without explaining how to do it well.

Lineage

Siblings: Zachman Framework, ITIL, COBIT