Enterprise Architecture Framework
The Open Group Architecture Framework
Overview
TOGAF is the world's most widely adopted framework for enterprise architecture. It provides a systematic approach for designing, planning, implementing, and governing enterprise information architecture.
The Case
Without a shared architecture framework, enterprises accumulate redundant systems, misaligned investments, and brittle integrations. TOGAF provides the common language and process to fix that.
Identify overlapping capabilities and consolidate systems, cutting licensing and maintenance costs.
Every technology decision traces back to a business objective — no orphaned projects.
Reusable building blocks and standardized patterns mean teams build on proven foundations, not from scratch.
A structured repository of architectures makes dependencies visible and change impact predictable.
Gap analysis and transition architectures replace big-bang migrations with sequenced, low-risk steps.
Technology-neutral architecture decisions prevent lock-in and preserve optionality.
In practice, the biggest win isn't the framework itself — it's giving 200 people the same vocabulary. TOGAF adoption has been observed to cut stakeholder alignment meetings in half.
Core Method
The ADM is the heart of TOGAF — not a linear process, but an iterative cycle. Each revolution refines the architecture. Phases can be revisited, reordered, or run in parallel.
Continuous process across all phases
Iterative Cycle
Set scope, constraints, and stakeholder expectations
Define how the enterprise operates to meet its goals
Design the target data and application architectures
Map the infrastructure needed to support applications
Identify work packages and transition architectures
Finalize the roadmap from baseline to target state
Oversee delivery and ensure architecture compliance
Monitor changes and determine if a new cycle is needed
In Practice
A typical first pass through the ADM for a mid-size enterprise. Expand any phase to explore deliverables and real-world examples.
Common Question
TOGAF and Agile operate at different altitudes. TOGAF sets strategic direction — what to build, in what order, with what constraints. Agile handles tactical delivery — how to build it, sprint by sprint.
Architecture Runway
The EA team works 1–2 quarters ahead, producing lightweight Architecture Visions and enough of Phases B–D to define guardrails. Delivery teams execute within those boundaries.
Thin ADM Cycles
Instead of a 52-week waterfall pass, run compressed ADM iterations (2–4 weeks) scoped to a single initiative. Produces "just enough" architecture.
Architecture as Backlog
Transition architectures from Phase E become epics. Work packages become features. The architecture roadmap feeds the program backlog directly.
Governance via Code
Phase G compliance shifts from formal gate reviews to architectural decision records (ADRs), automated fitness functions, and pull request reviews.
The tension dissolves once TOGAF is treated as a thinking framework, not a documentation exercise. Strategic direction up front, autonomous delivery downstream.
So What?
Don't adopt TOGAF as a compliance exercise. Adopt it as a language — then let teams adapt the process.
Start with Phase B (Business Architecture). Without articulating what the business needs, the technology decisions downstream are guesswork.
Measure architecture success by the speed of the next change, not the completeness of current documentation.