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TOGAF Framework

3 min readStatus:Seedling

Core Idea

TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) is a comprehensive enterprise architecture framework that provides a systematic methodology for designing, planning, implementing, and governing enterprise IT architecture through its Architecture Development Method (ADM).

TOGAF Framework

TOGAF is an enterprise architecture framework developed by The Open Group, first released in 1995 based on the U.S. Department of Defense’s TAFIM model. It has become the dominant enterprise architecture framework, adopted by 80% of Global 50 companies and 60% of Fortune 500 companies as of 2016.

Unlike modeling languages that define notation and visual representation, TOGAF is a methodology framework that provides a structured process for developing and managing enterprise architectures. It answers the question “how do we build enterprise architecture?” rather than “how do we visualize it?”

The core of TOGAF is the Architecture Development Method (ADM), a cyclic, iterative process consisting of 9+1 phases that guide organizations through the complete architecture lifecycle. The ADM operates at multiple levels of iteration: across the entire process, between individual phases, and within each phase. This flexibility allows organizations to customize the framework to their specific context and maturity level.

TOGAF typically addresses architecture across four domains:

  • Business Architecture — organizational structure and business processes
  • Application Architecture — application systems and their relationships
  • Data Architecture — logical and physical data assets
  • Technology Architecture — hardware, software, and network infrastructure

Beyond the ADM, TOGAF includes supporting components such as the Enterprise Continuum (a taxonomy for classifying architecture artifacts), the Architecture Repository (a structured storage system for architecture assets), and comprehensive guidelines on architectural governance, principles, and deliverables.

Relationship with ArchiMate

TOGAF and ArchiMate are complementary standards maintained by The Open Group. TOGAF provides the process (the “how”), while ArchiMate provides the modeling language (the “what to draw”). ArchiMate’s three core layers—Business, Application, and Technology—map directly to TOGAF ADM Phases B, C, and D respectively. ArchiMate’s Strategy/Motivation and Implementation/Migration extensions align with the remaining TOGAF phases.

In practice, enterprise architects use TOGAF to establish their architecture development process and governance structure, then use ArchiMate to create standardized visual models at each ADM phase. This combination enables systematic architecture development with clear, consistent visual communication across stakeholder groups.

Why This Matters

Enterprise architecture requires both systematic methodology and effective communication. TOGAF provides the structured approach that ensures nothing is overlooked in complex, organization-wide architectural transformations, while preventing ad-hoc, inconsistent architecture practices. Without a framework like TOGAF, enterprise architecture efforts often become fragmented, politically driven, or disconnected from business strategy. TOGAF’s widespread adoption also creates a common vocabulary and approach across organizations, enabling architects to share practices and collaborate effectively.

Sources

Note

This content was drafted with assistance from AI tools for research, organization, and initial content generation. All final content has been reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by the author to ensure accuracy and alignment with the author’s intentions and perspective.

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