What Is TOGAF®?

Purpose of TOGAF

TOGAF, according to, is intended to:

• Ensure that everyone speaks the same language.
• Avoid lock-in to any proprietary solutions with the help of standardization of open methods for enterprise architecture.
• Save time and money by utilizing resources effectively.
• Achieve more demonstrable ROI (return on investment).

TOGAF is based on an IT management framework developed in the 1990s by the US Defense Department (DoD), the Technical Architecture Framework for Information Management (TAFIM). This framework showed how the DoD’s technical infrastructure was structured, maintained, and configured to align with specific requirements. The DoD hasn’t used TAFIM since 1999 and has now been eliminated from any process documentation.

The core of TOGAF is the Architecture Development Method (ADM), which helps an enterprise form a process around architecture lifecycles. It can be adapted and customized for specific organizational needs, helping to confirm the business approach to information architecture. Businesses use ADM to develop a process involving multiple checkpoints and to establish requirements more firmly. This allows the process to be repeated with as few errors as possible. 

The Four Pillars of TOGAF

1. Business Architecture

   This includes information pertinent to business strategy, organization, governance, and how existing organizational processes can be adapted. 

2. Applications Architecture

   This is a blueprint for the structure and deployment of application systems in accordance with the business goals, organizational frameworks, and any core business processes. 

3. Data Architecture

   This defines the organization's data storage, management, and maintenance and includes data models, both physical and logical.

4. Technical (or technology) Architecture

   This is the right hardware, software, or IT infrastructure for developing and deploying business applications. 

Business Benefits of TOGAF

TOGAF helps organizations implement software in a more structured manner, with a focus on governance and meeting business objectives. Software development usually relies on the collaboration between many departments and business units inside or outside of IT. TOGAF helps address issues that may arise when getting these key stakeholders aligned and on the same page.

TOGAF intends to help create a more systematic approach to streamline the development process and facilitate replication. There should be as little room for error as possible when switching from one development phase to another, and a common language helps bridge the gap between the IT and business sides. However, not every part of the TOGAF process needs to be adopted. A business should identify its specific needs and then focus on the relevant sections of the framework.

What’s in the Latest Version of TOGAF?

The newest version of TOGAF includes the following updates:

• Content Meta-Model

  This process guides the creation and management of the enterprise architecture along with the ADM guidelines, helping businesses implement proprietary architecture into a different architectural tool. This can be done with output checklists and a streamlined approach, along with a more specific standard for describing architecture. 

• Partitioning

  New suggestions and guidance are introduced for partitioning specific architectures within the enterprise. 

• Architecture Repository

  This contains every detail about enterprise architecture or any relevant projects. It includes policies, designs, frameworks, etc.

• Enterprise Continuum

  This addresses concepts within the framework that are more abstract, describing how everything that’s defined in the repository will fit into the process. It also explains how each asset relates to one another, reducing confusion and improving communication between IT and other business units.

• ADM Guidelines and Techniques

  These expand on the information in ADM, teaching you how to apply ADM and when to use it in the organization. It also includes security considerations and how ADM is related to TOGAF. 

How Does TOGAF Work?

The main goal of the TOGAF process is to make sure the various stakeholders involved are aligned and in agreement. Therefore, the process can be broken down into the following areas:

1. The terminology used in the developmental process must be well established and very clear. Establishing meanings for critical terms right at the start will enable much better communication. 
2. Clearly defined processes. The ADM supports this and guides users through the development cycle with a clear and versatile methodology.
3. Provision of assets for carrying out architectural development. This includes clearly outlined procedures for the management (and documentation) of any changes that are made, which helps with future developments.

Benefits of TOGAF Certification

There are several benefits to acquiring a TOGAF certification, such as:

• Enterprise architects are in high demand. Architecture has become a lot more integrated with IT technology over the years. Savvy companies have been planning the enterprise architecture of their business with the help of TOGAF.
• Professionals who are certified in TOGAF understand a universal language. They share collective knowledge and expertise, allowing them to better identify business needs.
• There is a staged approach. The enterprise architecture exam has two levels: Foundation and Certified. This approach helps individuals learn the basics and build on this knowledge until they become experts.
• The TOGAF certification is budget-friendly. Depending on your needs and budget, you can pay per level or together to save money.  
• It will help boost your salary and career. The average salary for TOGAF-certified individuals starts at $80,000.
• TOGAF allows you to explore new opportunities. Certifications are essential for large enterprises. Standardization cultivates trust, giving companies the confidence that the individual has been well-trained and tested in anything about that field. Getting TOGAF certified will help open new doors to many enterprises.
• You will be better equipped to meet all your company's needs. Every company wants to complete more work in less time (and with less effort), which TOGAF facilitates. TOGAF-trained professionals can help reduce the company's costs while also increasing its profit margins.
• TOGAF allows you to work on managerial skills. The course mixes management with technical aspects, providing a stepping stone for anyone aspiring to be a manager. The experience from this training will make you more eligible for management roles.
• TOGAF certification validates your skills. There are very few certifications that have been recognized as broadly as TOGAF. It is considered a mark of trust; any company will trust your knowledge and skills when a TOGAF certificate validates you.
• TOGAF courses allow you to network. You’ll get a chance to meet professionals in your field and develop contacts, allowing you to understand the newer trends in that industry and share ideas.
• There are no prerequisites for taking the TOGAF course.  Anyone can take the course and get certified. 

Enterprise architects have much to gain from a TOGAF certification since the TOGAF methodology and framework are commonly used. This certification has global recognition and is vendor-neutral. Acquiring this certification will show that you can use the TOGAF framework to implement technology and manage enterprise architecture. Simplilearn’s TOGAF® Enterprise Architecture Training Course will help you master the TOGAF framework and become a certified Enterprise Architect. Join this comprehensive program to gain in-depth knowledge, practical skills, and industry-recognized certification.

Disclaimer: "TOGAF is a registered trademark of The Open Group."