TOGAF is a popular guide for designing and managing IT systems. It is developed and maintained by The Open Group and is used by over 120,000 architects globally. TOGAF is designed to help organizations plan their IT infrastructure, make strategic decisions, and implement technology smoothly.
How can architects maximize the value of TOGAF 10?
During Avolution’s recent Enterprise Architecture Summit 2024, Mark Dickson, Architecture Forum Director at The Open Group, delivered an exclusive insight into the latest developments of the TOGAF Standard alongside best practices and expert tips to help architects accelerate their business outcomes with TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition.
Here we will explore:
- What’s new in TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition (TOGAF 10)
- How to get started with TOGAF
- A simplified view of the Architecture Development Method (ADM)
- Using the TOGAF Series Guides
- Using the TOGAF Standard in the ABACUS software
- Why are EA Standards useful?
What’s new in TOGAF 10?
The TOGAF Standard is a flexible architecture framework. It provides tools to assist in the production, use, and maintenance of an enterprise architecture. It is based on an iterative process supported by the best practices and a re-usable set of existing architecture assets.
“The TOGAF Standard is deliberately a flexible framework, [so] when you adopt it and apply it, you make thoughtful and intelligent decisions on what you need to do based on the material it offers,” says Dickson.
According to The Open Group: “The TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition builds on previous versions of the TOGAF Standard and expands the material available to architecture practitioners to make adoption of best practices easier.”
How to get started with the TOGAF framework
A successful TOGAF implementation starts with these key elements:
- Scope the enterprise organizations impacted
- Confirm governance and support frameworks
- Define and establish Enterprise Architecture team and organization
- Identify and establish Architecture principles
- Tailor the TOGAF framework and if any, other selected architecture frameworks
- Develop a strategy and implementation plan for tools and techniques
The TOGAF Architecture Development Method (TOGAF ADM)
“Think of the TOGAF ADM more as a reference manual. When you’re using the TOGAF standard you’ve really got to make thoughtful choices about things you need to do to perform your task, and achieve your goals and objectives efficiently. ” – Mark Dickson
Making the most of TOGAF Series Guides
Mark Dickson emphasized that The TOGAF Series Guides are resources designed to help with the practical application of the TOGAF standard in various scenarios. If architects are seeking more specific guidance and relatable examples, the series guides can be invaluable.
“One thing the TOGAF standard is quite good at especially in the context of enterprise architecture, is because it’s based on the experience of so many people in so many different fields of work over many years, it’s pretty good at helping you to remember to do things that you didn’t even know you needed to do.” – Mark Dickson
- Real-world examples: The guides are based on actual experiences and provide concrete examples of how to implement TOGAF in different organizations
- Specificity: If you’re seeking more specific guidance and relatable examples, the series guides can be invaluable.
- Building on fundamentals: While they may offer variations, the series guides always align with the core principles of the TOGAF standard.
The TOGAF Series Guides cover topics including: “Security Architecture,” “Business Architecture”, and “Data & Information Architecture”. New Series Guides are published regularly. The Guides can help architects apply the framework effectively in your organization’s unique context.
View the TOGAF Series Guides >
Using the TOGAF Framework in ABACUS
ABACUS provides an enterprise architecture repository which supports the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM), out-of-the-box.
Using the TOGAF framework in ABACUS provides architects with the tools to rapidly work towards business outcomes.
Architects can make the most of a repository to manage models, diagrams and data, with versioning, access controls and permissions to provide governance. ABACUS also provides sample charts, templates and dashboards.
TOGAF sample diagrams, catalogs and matrices are available for each of the ADM phases. Catalogs provide a tabular view of the data, which can be round-tripped with MS Excel or Google Sheets or synchronized with MS SharePoint. Other data integrations are also available.
Why are Enterprise Architecture Standards useful?
By providing a common language and approach, EA standards help organizations move towards:
- More informed decision-making
- Increased communication and efficiency across the business
- Compliance and governance
- Risk management and analysis
- Opportunities to reduce costs
Watch “Mastering Enterprise Architecture with the TOGAF Standard” by Mark Dickson –
Available as part of the Enterprise Architecture Summit 2024: