Technology Paper on The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF)
Introduction
The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) is an architectural framework which provides tools and methods which assist in production, acceptance and usage and enterprise architecture maintenance. This method is based on the interactive process model supported and based on re-usable and best performances of the existing architecture assets (Schekkerman, 2003). TOGAF is a crucial architectural framework and tool that aids in various production and maintenance processes.
TOGAF is a high-level design approach that is modeled in four levels as Application, Data, Technology, and Business. It would rely majorly on standards, modulations and existing proven products and technology. The development of TOGAF was established in 1995 by The Open Group. It is reported that the design is employed by 60% of Fortune companies and 80%of Global organizations (Lankhorst, 2009).
TOGAF can, however, be viewed as either a detailed plan and formal system descriptions at component levels so as to lead ways against implementations and act as the structures, principles, interrelationships and the guidelines that would govern the evolution and design through time. The Architecture Development Method (ADM) is the main component of TOGAF, which quantifies the managing and development method of enterprise architecture life cycles. TOGAF’s establishment is based on four main interrelated specialization areas of architecture domains as applications, business, technical and data domains (Schekkerman, 2003). ADM would be applied in the development of enterprise architecture with the capabilities of meeting the needs of information and businesses presented by the organization. This would then be followed by employment of execution management of the activities of architecture planning which would involve interactive and cyclic processes (Winter et al., 2010).
Conclusion
TOGAF is a significant provider of tools and methods which assist in production, acceptance, usage and enterprise architecture maintenance. It would also enable clear paths for professional user credibility and development. The Certification programs have also enabled over 20,000 trainers and enterprise architects worldwide to demonstrate their extensive framework knowledge. The certification always involves two-part examinations a course by self-study or Accredited TOGAF courses.
References
Lankhorst, M. (2009). {Enterprise Architecture at Work: Modelling, Communication and Analysis (The Enterprise Engineering Series)}.
Schekkerman, J. (2003). How to survive in the jungle of Enterprise Architecture Frameworks, Trafford, 2004. ISBN 1-4120-1607-X.
Winter, K., Buckl, S., Matthes, F. & Schweda, C. M. (2010). Investigating the State-of-the-Art in Enterprise Architecture Management Methods in literature and Practice. MCIS, 90.