Introduction

1: Overview of the Architecture Development Method (ADM)

The TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) serves as a foundational framework for developing and managing the lifecycle of an Enterprise Architecture (EA). It encompasses the processes and techniques necessary to address the evolving needs of organizations and integrates various architectural elements to fulfill these needs. Below is a detailed overview of the ADM, its components, and how it interacts with the Enterprise Continuum and Architecture Repository.

1.1 The ADM, Enterprise Continuum, and Architecture Repository

Key Components:

1. Architecture Development Method (ADM):

   • The ADM outlines a systematic approach for creating and maintaining Enterprise Architectures.

   • It facilitates a structured process to ensure that the architecture aligns with business goals and adapts to changing organizational needs.

2. Enterprise Continuum:

   • The Enterprise Continuum provides a conceptual framework for categorizing architectural source material.

   • It includes both generic and organization-specific architecture artifacts, including reference models, standards, and previously developed architecture descriptions.

   • The continuum is divided into two main sides:

     • Generic Side: Contains broad, industry-standard frameworks and models.

     • Specific Side: Includes tailored architectures and solutions developed specifically for the organization.

3. Architecture Repository:

   • This serves as a central store for architectural assets, facilitating easy access and re-use.

   • It encompasses:

     • Architecture Descriptions: Documentation of existing architectures.

     • Models and Patterns: Standardized frameworks and templates accepted for use within the organization.

     • Work in Progress: Ongoing architectural development efforts that are not yet finalized.

Leveraging the Enterprise Continuum and Architecture Repository

• The practical implementation of the Enterprise Continuum typically manifests as an Architecture Repository, which supports the ADM by:

  • Providing access to previously developed architecture assets.

  • Encouraging the reuse of models, patterns, and templates that can expedite new projects.

• Throughout the ADM phases, architects are reminded to consider available architecture assets that could be leveraged. For instance:

  • When developing Technology Architecture, one might reference the TOGAF Foundation Architecture.

  • For Business Architecture, an industry reference model, such as an e-Commerce framework, may be utilized.

Governance and Asset Management

• The criteria for what constitutes valuable architecture source material are often defined by the Enterprise Architecture Governance process. This ensures that:

  • Resources are evaluated for their applicability to the organization’s needs.

  • General resources can be adapted for specific enterprise contexts.

  • Specific solutions may be generalized to facilitate broader re-use across projects.

Continuous Development Cycle

• The ADM is characterized as a cyclical process, meaning it is designed to be executed repeatedly over time. Each cycle adds new architecture assets to the repository, progressively enriching the organization's architectural knowledge base.

• During the initial execution of the ADM, the availability of reusable assets may be limited. However, resources can still be derived from:

  • External sources, including the TOGAF Standard and industry-wide frameworks.

• As the organization continues to execute the ADM, it will identify and document more architecture assets, leading to easier and more efficient future architecture development efforts.

The TOGAF ADM, in conjunction with the Enterprise Continuum and Architecture Repository, creates a robust framework for developing effective and adaptive Enterprise Architectures. By emphasizing the reuse of existing architectural resources, the ADM not only enhances efficiency but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement within the organization. This cyclical approach allows organizations to adapt their architectures to meet changing business needs while maintaining alignment with strategic objectives.

1.2: The ADM and the Foundation Architecture

The TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) plays a critical role in shaping the Foundation Architecture of an enterprise. This section explores how the ADM can be employed to populate and define the Foundation Architecture, the relationship between enterprise requirements and foundational elements, and the challenges associated with integrating various architectural models.

Key Concepts of Foundation Architecture

1. Foundation Architecture:

   • Represents a baseline architecture that provides reusable common models, governance definitions, and technology selections.

   • Serves as a reference point for the development of specific Enterprise Architectures within the organization.

   • Consists of essential architectural components that guide how technology and processes are implemented across the enterprise.

Using ADM to Populate Foundation Architecture

• The ADM facilitates the integration of business requirements into the Foundation Architecture by:

  • Identifying and defining necessary architectural elements that align with the overarching goals of the enterprise.

  • Selecting reusable models and frameworks that can be adapted for various projects, ensuring consistency and coherence across the organization.

  • Establishing policies and governance definitions that provide a structured approach to architecture development.

Principles of Population

• The process of populating the Foundation Architecture mirrors the approach used for developing a complete Enterprise Architecture, but with some key distinctions:

  • Scope: While the Enterprise Architecture aims for comprehensive coverage of all business needs, the Foundation Architecture focuses on overarching concerns that apply across the enterprise. This results in a less detailed but more generalized architecture.

  • Common Models: The ADM emphasizes the creation and use of common models that can be reused across different projects, enhancing efficiency and reducing redundancy.

Integration Challenges

• One of the challenges in developing the Foundation Architecture is the integratability of various architectural descriptions. When integrating existing models from diverse sources, it is essential to ensure that they work together cohesively. This involves:

  • Assessing compatibility and alignment among different architectural components to avoid conflicts.

  • Considering how different models can complement each other while serving the broader objectives of the enterprise.

The ADM is instrumental in shaping the Foundation Architecture by translating business requirements into reusable architectural elements. By following established principles, organizations can effectively populate the Foundation Architecture, ensuring that it aligns with enterprise-wide goals while also addressing specific project needs. However, attention must be paid to the integratability of various architectural descriptions to maintain coherence and functionality within the enterprise architecture landscape. This approach ultimately supports the ongoing development and evolution of a responsive and adaptable Enterprise Architecture framework.

1.3: ADM and Supporting Guidelines and Techniques

The TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) is augmented by a comprehensive set of resources designed to facilitate its application in various enterprise architecture contexts. These supporting materials provide valuable guidelines, templates, checklists, and techniques to enhance the effectiveness and adaptability of the ADM. Below are key components that constitute these resources:

1. TOGAF Standard — ADM Techniques

• This document includes various techniques specifically tailored to the ADM framework.

• Techniques may cover areas such as architecture visioning, stakeholder management, risk management, and other critical components of architecture development.

• They serve as practical tools to assist architects in applying the ADM phases effectively.

2. TOGAF Series Guides

• These guides provide detailed insights into how to adapt and apply the TOGAF Standard to meet specific organizational needs.

• They cover a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Business Architecture

  • Information Architecture

  • Application Architecture

  • Technology Architecture

• Each guide focuses on a specific aspect of architecture, offering tailored advice and methodologies for implementation.

3. White Papers and Guides

• Published by The Open Group, these documents provide further exploration of various architecture-related topics.

• They are classified and referenced in the TOGAF Library and are accessible online (see The Open Group TOGAF Library).

• White papers may address emerging trends, case studies, and best practices in enterprise architecture, providing architects with additional perspectives and strategies.

Structure of Supporting Materials

• Modularity: Individual guidelines and techniques are documented separately, allowing architects to reference them at relevant points in the ADM without cluttering the main description.

• Accessibility: This modular approach facilitates easy access to specific techniques as needed throughout the architecture development process.

Benefits of Supporting Guidelines and Techniques

• Enhanced Understanding: These materials aid in clarifying complex concepts and methodologies within the ADM, ensuring that practitioners have a solid grasp of the processes.

• Flexibility: The guidance provided allows for the adaptation of the ADM to fit unique organizational contexts and challenges.

• Consistency: Utilizing standardized templates and checklists promotes consistency across architecture projects, ensuring that best practices are followed.

The TOGAF ADM is significantly enriched by an array of supporting guidelines and techniques that provide architects with essential tools for successful implementation. By leveraging the resources found in the TOGAF Standard, TOGAF Series Guides, and the TOGAF Library, organizations can effectively navigate the complexities of enterprise architecture and align their architecture efforts with business goals. These resources not only enhance the application of the ADM but also foster a deeper understanding of enterprise architecture practices, enabling more effective decision-making and strategic alignment.

2: Architecture Development Cycle

1 : Key Points

The Architecture Development Method (ADM) is a fundamental component of the TOGAF framework and encompasses several key points essential for understanding its structure and application:

1. Iterative Nature:

   • The ADM is characterized by its iterative approach, allowing for revisions and improvements throughout the architecture development process.

   • This iteration occurs:

     • Across Phases: Each phase can influence and inform others, enabling continuous improvement.

     • Within Phases: Each individual phase can be revisited for refinement based on ongoing feedback and insights.

2. Fresh Decision-Making for Each Iteration:

   • At the start of each iteration, architects must make several important decisions regarding:

     • Breadth of Coverage: Determining which parts of the enterprise will be included in the current iteration.

     • Level of Detail: Establishing how in-depth the architecture will be defined, which can vary depending on the specific needs of the project.

     • Time Frame: Deciding on the time period to be addressed, including the number of intermediate time periods to be covered.

     • Architectural Assets to Leverage: Identifying which architectural assets will be used, including:

       • Assets created in previous ADM iterations within the enterprise.

       • External assets from other frameworks, industry models, or systems that may enhance the current effort.

3. Practical Assessment:

   • Decisions made during the ADM process should stem from a practical evaluation of available resources and competencies.

   • Consideration should also be given to the potential value that can realistically be delivered to the enterprise based on the chosen scope of work.

4. Generic and Adaptable Framework:

   • As a generic method, the ADM is designed to be applicable across various industries and geographies.

   • While it is flexible enough to be used in conjunction with deliverables from other frameworks, it may not always need to be tailored.

   • For example, some organizations, such as US Federal agencies, have created specific frameworks that align with their unique requirements.

5. Tailoring to Specific Needs:

   • Although the ADM is adaptable, organizations are encouraged to assess whether adjustments are necessary to meet their specific architecture requirements.

   • Tailoring can help integrate ADM deliverables with other methodologies that better suit an organization’s operational context.

6. Detailed Considerations:

   • Further exploration of these issues is available in Section 1.3 of the TOGAF Standard, where additional guidance on applying the ADM in diverse contexts is provided.

The Architecture Development Method is a dynamic and iterative approach designed to facilitate effective enterprise architecture development. By embracing its flexible framework, organizations can adapt the ADM to their unique contexts, ensuring that the architecture produced is relevant, valuable, and aligned with their strategic goals. The key points outlined above serve as essential considerations for architects as they navigate the complexities of the ADM cycle.

2: Overview of the ADM Structure

The Architecture Development Method (ADM) is a structured approach within TOGAF for developing and managing an enterprise architecture. It consists of a cyclical process designed to ensure that architectural results align with organizational objectives and requirements. Here's a detailed breakdown of the ADM structure based on the provided description:

Key Elements of the ADM Cycle

1. Phases of the ADM:

   • The ADM cycle is divided into distinct phases, each representing a specific aspect of the architecture development process.

   • Each phase contains a series of steps, which provide detailed guidance on how to execute the tasks within that phase.

   • The phases include:

     • Preliminary Phase: Establishes the architecture framework and principles.

     • Phase A: Architecture Vision.

     • Phase B: Business Architecture.

     • Phase C: Information Systems Architectures (Data and Application).

     • Phase D: Technology Architecture.

     • Phase E: Opportunities and Solutions.

     • Phase F: Migration Planning.

     • Phase G: Implementation Governance.

     • Phase H: Architecture Change Management.

     • Requirements Management: An ongoing phase that ensures that changes to requirements are managed effectively.

2. Validation of Results:

   • Continuous validation is essential throughout the ADM cycle to ensure that the results meet both the overarching expectations for the entire process and the specific objectives for each phase.

   • Regular reviews and adjustments help maintain alignment with the initial goals set during the architecture visioning phase.

3. Requirements Management:

   • This is a continuous phase that runs alongside the ADM cycle.

   • It ensures that any changes to requirements are documented and managed through established governance processes.

   • Organizations may utilize a Requirements Repository to log new requirements, including those relevant to the current Statement of Architecture Work (SoW).

4. Output Generation:

   • Outputs are produced at each phase of the ADM cycle.

   • Outputs from earlier phases can be revised or refined in subsequent phases as new insights and information become available.

   • The status of outputs is defined at each stage, providing clarity on their relevance and application as the architecture develops.

The ADM is a dynamic and iterative framework designed to facilitate the development of enterprise architecture. By adhering to the structured phases and ensuring continuous validation and requirements management, organizations can create architectures that are not only aligned with their strategic objectives but also responsive to changes in the business environment. The detailed steps within each phase serve as a guide to ensure thorough and effective execution of architectural initiatives.

In the Architecture Development Method (ADM), managing the lifecycle of outputs is crucial to ensure that all documentation and architectural artifacts remain relevant, accurate, and aligned with the organization's governance processes. Here’s a detailed overview of how output management is structured within the ADM framework:

Key Aspects of Output Management

1. Versioning Policy:

   • A version numbering policy must be established to track changes and revisions to architectural documents and outputs.

   • The architect is responsible for adapting this policy to suit the specific needs of the organization and to ensure compatibility with the architecture tools and repositories in use.

2. Document Designations:

   • Outputs are categorized based on their review and approval status:

     • Draft: This designation is used for documents that are still under development and have not yet undergone formal review. Draft documents can be revised freely as feedback is incorporated.

     • Approved: Once a document has been reviewed and meets the criteria set by the organization’s governance practices, it is designated as "approved." This indicates that the document is deemed suitable for use but does not necessarily mean it is finalized.

3. Continuous Evolution of Documents:

   • Approved documents can still evolve throughout subsequent phases of the ADM cycle. As new information and insights emerge, changes may be necessary to ensure that the architecture remains aligned with organizational goals.

   • Changes to approved documents must follow a structured change control process. This process ensures that any modifications are adequately documented, reviewed, and approved before implementation.

4. Change Control and Governance Process:

   • A formal governance framework is critical to managing changes effectively. This process typically involves:

     • Assessment of Changes: Evaluating the impact of proposed changes on existing architecture and documentation.

     • Approval Workflow: Routing changes through a predefined approval hierarchy to ensure that all stakeholders have input and consensus.

     • Documentation of Changes: Keeping a record of all changes, including the rationale behind them, to maintain transparency and traceability.

5. Evolution of Architecture Definitions:

   • The lifecycle management process is particularly important for tracking the evolution of Baseline and Target Architecture Definitions.

   • As the architecture develops, the baseline (current state) and target (future state) architectures must be consistently updated to reflect changes in requirements, technology, and business goals.

Managing the lifecycle of outputs in the ADM involves a structured approach that emphasizes version control, clear designations of document status, and a robust change management process. By implementing these practices, organizations can ensure that their architectural artifacts remain current, relevant, and aligned with their strategic objectives while effectively navigating the complexities of enterprise architecture development.

3: Adapting the ADM

Key Point	Description
Generic Method	The ADM is designed to accommodate a wide range of system and organizational requirements, but often needs to be tailored to specific enterprise needs.
Enterprise-Specific ADM	Before applying the ADM, review its components for applicability and tailor them accordingly to create an enterprise-specific version.
Order of Phases	The sequence of phases may depend on the maturity of the architecture discipline; for instance, establishing an Architecture Vision may be essential if the value of architecture is not recognized.
Architecture Principles Influence	Business principles may dictate the order of phases; for example, Business Architecture may follow the Information Systems Architecture to quickly implement a packaged solution.
Integration with Other Frameworks	The ADM can be integrated with other enterprise frameworks, such as the Zachman Framework, allowing for the use of both TOGAF and specific sector deliverables.
Corporate Governance	The ADM supports corporate governance models and is complementary to standard program management processes like risk management and business planning.
Contractor Adaptation	When mandated by a contractor, the ADM may need to be tailored to balance the contractor's practices with the contracting enterprise's requirements.
SME Adaptation	Small to medium enterprises may wish to adopt a simplified method that is more suitable for their resource levels and system complexities.
Complex Organizations	Large, complex organizations may require adaptations to address multiple interlinked enterprises within a collaborative framework.
Planning Approaches	Different planning and integration approaches may be used, including top-down planning, development of reference architectures, and replication of successful implementations.
Product Line Architecture	In vendor environments, the ADM can be adapted for Product Line Architecture development, applicable for families of related products.
Adapting Deliverables	The ADM's deliverables and artifacts should be adapted to meet specific enterprise needs for required architecture.
Agile Adaptation	The ADM can support Agile enterprise architecture delivery styles, enhancing enterprise agility.
Guidance for Adaptation	Detailed guidance on adapting the ADM is available in specific TOGAF series guides and standards.

This table captures the essence of how the ADM can be tailored to fit various organizational contexts and needs.

4: Architecture Governance

Key Point	Description
Role of ADM in Governance	The ADM must be managed like other architecture artifacts in the Architecture Repository, ensuring compliance and proper application across all development phases.
Architecture Board Responsibility	The Architecture Board must ensure that the ADM is applied correctly and that all required deliverables are produced to maintain governance.
Controlled Environment	Architectural artifacts and governance processes should be supported by a controlled environment, often through repositories that manage versioned objects and process control.
Reference Data	The governance repository should include reference data, which consists of collateral from the organization and external sources (e.g., COBIT, IT4IT Reference Architecture) used for guidance during implementation.
Process Status Management	The repository should track the state of governance processes, including outstanding compliance requests, dispensation requests, and compliance assessments.
Audit Information	The repository should maintain records of completed governance process actions, supporting key decisions and personnel responsible for sanctioned architecture projects.
Guidance for Future Developments	Audit information serves as a reference for future architectural processes, developments, guidance, and precedents.
Governance Process Artifacts	The artifacts and processes related to governance are integral components of the Architecture Repository.
Detailed Guidance	Comprehensive guidance on Architecture Governance is available in the TOGAF Standard — Enterprise Architecture Capability and Governance.

This table encapsulates the essential aspects of Architecture Governance as outlined in the provided text.

5: Scoping the Architecture

Key Point	Description
Reasons for Scoping	The scope of architectural activity may be constrained due to limits in:
	- Organizational authority of the architecture team
	- Objectives and stakeholder concerns to be addressed
	- Availability of people, finance, and other resources
Integration of Architect Work	The scope should allow for effective governance and integration of architects' work, requiring aligned "architecture partitions" to avoid duplication or conflict.
Four Dimensions of Scope	The architecture scope is typically defined and limited using the following dimensions:
1. Breadth	Refers to the extent of the enterprise being addressed:
	- Enterprises can be large and comprise multiple organizational units.
	- Modern enterprises extend beyond traditional boundaries, involving suppliers, customers, and partners.
2. Depth	Refers to the level of detail needed in the architecture:
	- Determining how much architecture is "enough" and distinguishing it from related activities (system design, engineering, etc.).
3. Time Period	Refers to the timeline for the Architecture Vision:
	- Assessing if the same time period should be covered in the detailed Architecture Description and defining any necessary Transition Architectures.
4. Architecture Domains	A complete Enterprise Architecture should cover all four domains (Business, Data, Application, Technology):
	- Practical constraints often limit the ability to create a comprehensive Architecture Description encompassing all domains.
Expressing Scope	The initial scope is expressed in terms of breadth, depth, and time, followed by selecting appropriate architecture domains for the problem being addressed.
Optimization Considerations	In large-scale environments, architects may focus too narrowly within their scope; sometimes sub-optimization is necessary to achieve overall enterprise optimization.
Goal of Commonality	The aim should be to seek high levels of commonality and focus on scalable, reusable modules to maximize reuse across the enterprise.

This table captures the essential elements regarding scoping architecture, including dimensions and considerations for effective architecture development.

5.1: Breadth of Architecture

Key Point	Description
Focus of Architecture Effort	The architecture effort should focus on the breadth of overall enterprise activities, specifying particular sectors, functions, organizations, and geographical areas.
Need for Multiple Architectures	Large and complex enterprises often require various architectures tailored to specific timeframes, business functions, or requirements.
Federated Architectures	- Federated architectures allow for independently developed, maintained, and managed architectures integrated within a framework.
	- This framework specifies principles for interoperability, migration, and conformance.
Single Enterprise-wide Architecture	A single enterprise-wide architecture may be considered too complex, leading to the creation of multiple Enterprise Architectures focusing on different aspects.
Overarching Enterprise Architecture	These various Enterprise Architectures can form an overarching architecture as a "federation" that manages and integrates them effectively.
Publish-and-Subscribe Model	An effective management approach is to adopt a publish-and-subscribe model for governance, ensuring quality and compliance.
Key Elements of Governance Model	In the publish-and-subscribe model, the following elements are essential:
	- Quality Assurance: Architectural materials must be of good quality, up-to-date, fit-for-purpose, and published (reviewed and agreed upon).
	- Usage Monitoring: The usage of architectural materials can be monitored to exhibit compliance with standards, models, and principles.
	- Compliance Assessment Process: Describes user subscriptions and assesses compliance levels.
	- Dispensation Process: May grant exceptions from adhering to architecture standards in specific cases, often driven by strong business needs.
IT Governance Development	Publish-and-subscribe techniques are being developed as part of general IT governance, particularly in the Defense sector.

This table summarizes the critical aspects of breadth in architecture, highlighting the importance of managing multiple architectures, the federated approach, and the governance model for ensuring quality and compliance.

5.2: Depth of Architecture

Key Point	Description
Appropriate Level of Detail	The level of detail captured should align with the intended use of the Enterprise Architecture and the decisions to be made based on it.
Consistency Across Domains	Ensure a consistent level of depth is applied across all architecture domains: Business, Data, Application, and Technology.
Impact of Omitted or Excess Detail	- Omitting pertinent detail can render the architecture useless.
	- Including unnecessary detail may exceed available time and resources, leading to confusion or clutter.
Future Use Consideration	Anticipate future uses of the architecture to allow for tailoring, extension, or reuse within resource limitations.
Sufficient Depth for Purpose	The depth of the Enterprise Architecture should be sufficient for its purpose but not excessive.
Building on Previous Iterations	Each iteration of the ADM builds upon artifacts and capabilities created in previous iterations.
Documentation of Models	Document all models in the enterprise to a level of detail appropriate for the current ADM cycle.
Understanding Current Architecture Status	Recognize the current status of the enterprise’s architecture work and focus on achievable goals based on available resources and competencies.
Stakeholder Value Focus	Concentrate on delivering value that stakeholders can appreciate; too broad a scope may lead to diminished returns on investment for stakeholders.

This table summarizes the essential aspects of depth in architecture, emphasizing the need for appropriate detail, consistency across domains, and a focus on stakeholder value.

5.3: Time Period aspect of the Architecture Development Method (ADM)

Key Point	Description
Single Cycle of Architecture Vision	The ADM describes a cycle involving the Architecture Vision and multiple Target Architectures (Business, Data, Application, Technology) to implement the vision.
Multiple Architecture Instances	An enterprise may be represented by several architecture instances (strategic, segment, capability), each reflecting the enterprise at a specific point in time.
Current State vs. Target State	- One architecture instance represents the current state ("as-is" or baseline).
	- Another instance represents the ultimate target end-state (the "vision").
Transition Architectures	Intermediate architectures can be defined, comprising specific Target Architecture Descriptions that serve as increments or plateaus toward the ultimate vision.
Stages of Development	1. Develop Target Architecture Descriptions for the overall system responding to stakeholder objectives for a distant timeframe (e.g., six years).
	2. Develop one or more Transition Architecture descriptions incrementally aligning with the Target Architecture Descriptions.
Evolutionary Nature of Target Architectures	Target Architectures are evolutionary, requiring periodic review and updates based on business needs and technological developments.
Incremental Nature of Transition Architectures	Transition Architectures should not evolve during implementation to prevent a "moving target" scenario, necessitating tight control over the implementation schedule.
Generic Nature of Target Architectures	Target Architectures remain relatively generic, making them less vulnerable to obsolescence. They capture key strategic decisions blessed by stakeholders from the outset.
Detailed Decisions in Transition Architectures	Detailed architectural decisions are postponed until just before implementation, enhancing responsiveness to new technologies and products.
Migration Through Transition Architectures	The enterprise migrates through each Transition Architecture, achieving an operational state while progressing toward the ultimate vision, which may continually evolve.
Management of Architecture Products	The breakdown of the Architecture Description into related architecture products necessitates effective management of the products and their relationships.

This table captures the essential elements of the time period aspect of the ADM, emphasizing the process of moving from the current state to the desired future state through defined architecture stages.

5.4 Architecture Domains in the context of Enterprise Architecture

Key Point	Description
Four Architecture Domains	A complete Enterprise Architecture should address all four domains: Business, Data, Application, and Technology.
Resource Constraints	Due to resource and time constraints, it may not be feasible to create a comprehensive Architecture Description encompassing all four domains.
Purpose-Driven Architecture	Architecture Descriptions are typically built with a specific purpose in mind, driven by particular business drivers and clarifying the issues the architecture intends to address.
Example of Purpose	If the goal is to explore technology options for a capability without modifying fundamental business processes, a complete Business Architecture may not be necessary.
Importance of Business Architecture	Even when all four domains are not included, the Business Architecture needs to be understood, as the Data, Application, and Technology Architectures build on it.
Incomplete Architecture Risks	An architecture that omits any of the four domains cannot be considered a complete Enterprise Architecture, leading to potential inconsistencies and integration challenges.
Integration Challenges	If not all domains are developed initially, integration may occur later, incurring additional costs and risks.
Communication of Risks	Architects must articulate the risks and trade-offs of not developing a complete and integrated architecture to enterprise management, ensuring these are understood.

This table highlights the essential aspects of architecture domains, emphasizing the necessity of considering all four domains in the context of resource limitations and specific architectural objectives.

6: Architecture Alternatives in the context of Enterprise Architecture

Key Point	Description
Multiple Target Architectures	More than one Target Architecture may conform to the Architecture Vision, Principles, and Requirements, necessitating the identification of alternatives.
Importance of Identifying Alternatives	Identifying and understanding different architecture alternatives helps in recognizing trade-offs and making informed decisions.
Trade-offs	Creating an architecture often requires making trade-offs among competing concerns; presenting alternatives aids in revealing hidden agendas and requirements from stakeholders.
Stakeholder Engagement	Engaging stakeholders in discussing different alternatives and trade-offs enhances understanding and alignment with architectural decisions.
Alternative Definition by Domain	Alternatives are typically defined for each architecture domain (Business, Data, Application, Technology) to simplify analysis, but can be merged for overall evaluation.
Method Overview	The process for analyzing alternatives consists of:
- Criteria Selection	Use vision, principles, and requirements to select criteria for evaluating alternatives.
- Alternative Definition	Define and understand alternatives based on the selected criteria.
- Alternative Selection	Select one alternative or combine features from multiple alternatives to propose a final architecture option.
Detail Level	Perform activities at a level of detail sufficient to support decision-making; the method is adaptable for any phase or level of architecture development.

This table encapsulates the essential aspects of exploring architecture alternatives, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement and the systematic evaluation of different architectural options.

7: Architecture Integration

Key Point	Description
Purpose of Architecture Integration	To ensure that various architectures addressing subsets of enterprise issues can coexist and be understood collectively as well as being point deliverables.
Scope Boundary Dimensions	The same dimensions used to define the scope of a single architecture (e.g., level of detail, architecture domain) must also be addressed in architecture integration.
Co-existence of Architectures	Different types of architectures must coexist, necessitating a coherent framework for integration.
Current Integration Capabilities	Presently, architecture integration is primarily achievable at the lower end of the integratability spectrum due to challenges in artifact granularity and maturity of interchange standards.
Key Factors for Integration	- Granularity and detail level of each architecture artifact - Maturity of standards for the interchange of architectural descriptions
Emerging Themes	As organizations adopt common themes (e.g., Service-Oriented Architecture, integrated information infrastructure) and universal data models emerge, integration will become more effective.
Role of Standards Governance	Effective standards governance is crucial to minimize manual coordination and conflict resolution, facilitating smoother integration of architectures.

This table captures the essential elements of architecture integration, emphasizing the need for a consistent frame of reference, current limitations, and the importance of standards in achieving higher levels of integration.

3: Summary

Key Point	Description
ADM Phases Sequence	The TOGAF ADM defines a recommended sequence of phases and steps for developing an architecture, but it does not prescribe the scope.
Determining Scope	Scope must be determined by the organization, considering the iterative nature of the ADM process, with increasing depth and breadth of scope and deliverables in each iteration.
Resource Addition	Each iteration contributes additional resources to the organization’s Architecture Repository.
Framework Importance	While having a complete framework is essential for long-term goals, practical decisions must be made about the specific scope of each Enterprise Architecture effort.
Scoping Decision Basis	It is vital to understand the basis for scoping decisions and to set clear expectations regarding the goals of the effort.
Value Focus	The main guideline for scoping is to focus on what creates value for the enterprise, adjusting horizontal and vertical scope and time periods accordingly.
Iterative Approach	This exercise is iterative; future iterations will build on the outcomes of current efforts, adding greater width and depth over time.

This table encapsulates the essential considerations for scoping within the TOGAF ADM framework, highlighting the importance of iterative development, value creation, and clear expectations.