TOGAF, or The Open Group Architecture Framework, is a brand name in corporate architecture, as well as business and digital transformation. As the world’s most common enterprise architectural framework, it has been used to enable strategic transformation and optimization across a wide range of sectors, industries, and locations. As more organizations explore digitization, the clarity and guidance afforded by architectures have proven useful.
TOGAF 10 is the most recent version of the framework. With TOGAF 9.2 launched in 2018 and 9.1 released nine years prior, many practitioners were hoping for a significant improvement. However, changes surrounding the framework, as well as EA in general, were frequently debated in The Open Group Architectural Forum during this time. As such, TOGAF 10 is the sum of several years of expertise, conversation, and first-hand experience from businesses and practitioners at the forefront of EA.
“The next decade of technology and commercial challenges will need businesses to be more agile, robust, and adaptable than ever, and that will make a clear approach to architecture more vital than ever,” said Steve Nunn, President, and CEO of The Open Group. “I am proud of what The Open Group Architecture Forum has accomplished for this release, which makes the framework substantially more accessible by even more enterprises while keeping the framework’s key goals of consistency, openness, and efficiency.”
The Open Group outlined numerous essential goals in more depth about the framework, including:
So, what precisely has changed in TOGAF 10? In this article, we answer the most common questions about the next phase in EA.
The TOGAF ADM, or ‘Architectural Development Method,’ is at the heart of the system. This is the foundation of TOGAF, and it has not changed with the updated framework.
TOGAF 10 differs from previous versions in that it is divided into two sections: TOGAF Fundamental Content and TOGAF Series Guides.
The TOGAF Fundamental Content serves as the framework’s skeleton. It comprises an introduction and implementation tips, as well as specifics on:
Those who have studied and used TOGAF 9.2 will recognize this section of the framework.
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The guides enhance the core framework by delving into more particular elements of architecture, such as:
Other tutorials cover subjects such as Agile, how to adapt the ADM, MSA, and SOA designs, and more.
This format, most importantly, gives a new level of versatility to TOGAF. Practitioners can refer to and apply the Series Guides as needed based on elements such as organizational structure, goals, and settings.
The Open Group has also stated that it will create and update guidelines in the future, thereby growing the TOGAF body of knowledge and making the framework more useful and adaptable.
The notion of deploying TOGAF for the first time can be intimidating given the scope of corporate architecture. Because of this complexity, it can be difficult to gain support for EA, particularly from stakeholders and managers who are unfamiliar with the concept. Making it easy to use and implement was one of The Open Group’s top aims during its development. This is true not only for practicing architects, but also for organizations of different sizes from various industries, locations, and sectors.
This was accomplished through the modular nature of the new framework. This makes it easier to navigate the TOGAF Library and obtain information on how to implement and alter the framework. Even the Series Guides include modular lists that outline what they cover in detail.
The Open Group has also simplified the framework by deleting a significant amount of unnecessary content. Importantly, TOGAF’s How-To documentation has been enhanced, with a stronger emphasis on implementation.
Agile approaches and styles of working have grown in popularity in recent years. Given the importance of the relationship between enterprise architects and technological or information technology managers, understanding Agile can be important for EA. This information is becoming increasingly important for TOGAF users and practitioner organizations since Agile methods of working are now being applied to project management, strategy, organizational structure, and other aspects of the business.
As a result, how integrating corporate architecture with TOGAF became a primary priority during the development of TOGAF 10. The Series Guides provide distinct and clear instructions on how to work in Agile environments and discuss Agile flexibility with technical leads.
Enterprise architecture has long been seen as a valuable instrument for digital transformation. Qualified and experienced individuals may design architectures that clearly show how an organization must change to accomplish strategic goals. This is especially true for digital transformation efforts, and both the TOGAF 9.2 framework and The Open Group Architecture Forum provide extensive resources to assist with this.
TOGAF 10 will surely be a significant advancement for businesses engaged in enterprise digital transformation. It places a major emphasis on digital components such as technological and digital architecture. Because many businesses must still handle legacy systems and other issues that can hamper digitization, the variability in its approach also facilitates slow and hybrid changes. The documentation for TOGAF has also been revised to incorporate digital features of domains such as Security Architecture.
Another important aspect is the framework’s emphasis on Agile. Agile methods of working have grown in favor, particularly in the digital and IT sectors. Not only can TOGAF 10 practitioners confidently communicate with managers in these domains, but they can also accommodate and even benefit from Agile environments.
Those who are already enabling digital transformation with TOGAF 9.2 will not need to disrupt their efforts because the core of TOGAF 10 is similar to the previous framework. However, the most recent TOGAF 10 recommended practices will definitely be valuable in assisting with digitalization.
The Open Group has not yet given information on how to get TOGAF 10 certified. There is no indication that the current certification method will alter, nor that existing TOGAF certifications would become invalid.
Of course, this brings up the question of what is the best way to learn TOGAF.
TOGAF 9.2 is recommended for newcomers to study first. The current TOGAF 10 material may not be user-friendly for newbies, but because the underlying foundation is mostly the same, transitioning, later on, will be simple. There are also numerous free TOGAF tools available to help practitioners comprehend the new framework.
Existing practitioners will not need to change their EA techniques now that TOGAF 10 is available. In reality, by familiarizing themselves with the TOGAF Series Guides, they should find it simple to use the new framework. The Open Group presently has no information about bridging certification.
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