Quick Overview

TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) is a framework for enterprise architecture - a structured approach to designing, planning, implementing, and governing enterprise information technology architecture.

For data professionals, TOGAF matters because it defines how data architecture fits within broader enterprise architecture. Understanding TOGAF helps data architects align their work with organizational strategy and speak the same language as enterprise architects.

TOGAF isn’t a rigid methodology - it’s a toolkit. Organizations adapt it to their needs, using what’s useful and leaving what isn’t.

TOGAF Components

Architecture Development Method (ADM)

The core of TOGAF. A step-by-step process for developing enterprise architecture:

Preliminary → Vision → Business → Information Systems → Technology → Implementation

The ADM is iterative, not waterfall. Organizations cycle through phases as architecture evolves.

Enterprise Continuum

A view of all architecture assets - from generic to organization-specific. Helps architects find and reuse existing patterns rather than starting from scratch.

Architecture Repository

Where architecture artifacts are stored and managed. Includes:

  • Architecture metamodel
  • Reference architectures
  • Standards and guidelines
  • Governance documents

Architecture Capability

The resources, skills, and processes needed to do architecture work. Building architecture capability is part of TOGAF, not just doing architecture.

The ADM Phases

Preliminary Phase

Prepare for architecture work:

  • Define architecture principles
  • Establish governance framework
  • Identify stakeholders
  • Tailor the ADM to your context

Phase A: Architecture Vision

Create high-level vision:

  • Understand business goals
  • Define architecture scope
  • Identify key stakeholders
  • Get commitment and approval

Phase B: Business Architecture

Define business context:

  • Business processes
  • Organization structure
  • Business goals and drivers
  • Information requirements

Phase C: Information Systems Architectures

Design information systems:

Data Architecture:

  • Data entities and relationships
  • Data flow and lifecycle
  • Data governance requirements
  • Master data and metadata

Application Architecture:

  • Application components
  • Application interactions
  • Integration patterns

Phase D: Technology Architecture

Define technology foundation:

  • Infrastructure requirements
  • Platform technologies
  • Network architecture
  • Security architecture

Phase E: Opportunities and Solutions

Identify implementation approach:

  • Work packages
  • Project portfolio
  • Transition architectures
  • Build vs buy decisions

Phase F: Migration Planning

Plan the transition:

  • Implementation roadmap
  • Dependencies and sequencing
  • Resource requirements
  • Risk mitigation

Phase G: Implementation Governance

Guide execution:

  • Architecture compliance
  • Change management
  • Quality checkpoints
  • Issue resolution

Phase H: Architecture Change Management

Manage evolution:

  • Monitor for change drivers
  • Assess change requests
  • Update architecture
  • Continuous improvement

Requirements Management

Central to all phases:

  • Capture requirements
  • Track throughout ADM
  • Manage changes
  • Verify satisfaction

The Four Architecture Domains

TOGAF divides enterprise architecture into four domains:

Business Architecture

The business strategy, governance, organization, and key business processes.

Stakeholders: Business executives, process owners

Data Architecture

The structure of logical and physical data assets and data management resources.

Stakeholders: Data architects, data engineers, business data owners

See Data Architect in TOGAF for how data professionals fit in.

Application Architecture

Individual applications, their interactions, and relationships to business processes.

Stakeholders: Application architects, developers, product owners

Technology Architecture

The software and hardware capabilities supporting business, data, and application services.

Stakeholders: Infrastructure architects, DBAs, platform engineers

TOGAF Concepts

Building Blocks

Reusable architecture components:

Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs):

  • Abstract definitions of functionality
  • Technology-agnostic
  • Example: “Master Data Management capability”

Solution Building Blocks (SBBs):

  • Specific implementations
  • Technology-specific
  • Example: “Informatica MDM implementation”

Architecture Principles

Guiding rules for architecture decisions. Example:

Principle: Data is a shared asset Rationale: Siloed data reduces business value Implications: Single sources of truth, data sharing policies, appropriate access controls

Viewpoints and Views

Different perspectives on architecture:

Viewpoint: A template for creating views (e.g., data flow viewpoint) View: A representation of architecture from that perspective (e.g., customer data flow diagram)

TOGAF Certification

Levels

TOGAF Foundation (Level 1):

  • Basic understanding of concepts
  • Terminology and structure
  • Multiple choice exam

TOGAF Certified (Level 2):

  • Application of TOGAF
  • Analysis and scenario-based
  • Builds on Level 1

Is Certification Worth It?

Yes, if:

  • Your organization uses TOGAF
  • You work with enterprise architects
  • Clients or employers value the credential
  • You want EA career progression

Maybe not, if:

  • Your organization doesn’t use formal EA
  • You’re in startup/scaleup environments
  • Practical skills matter more than credentials
  • Time investment doesn’t fit your goals

TOGAF for Data Professionals

Why It Matters

Understanding TOGAF helps data architects:

  • Speak the same language as enterprise architects
  • Align data architecture with business strategy
  • Participate in enterprise architecture governance
  • Justify data initiatives in business terms

What to Focus On

For data architects, prioritize:

  1. Data Architecture domain - Your primary area
  2. ADM Phases A, B, C - Vision, business context, and information systems
  3. Building blocks - Reusable data patterns
  4. Principles - Guiding data decisions
  5. Governance - Architecture compliance

Practical Application

Even without full TOGAF adoption:

  • Use baseline/target state thinking
  • Document architecture principles
  • Create reusable patterns
  • Align with business goals
  • Participate in governance

TOGAF Criticism and Limitations

Common Criticisms

Too heavyweight: Full TOGAF compliance requires significant process overhead. Many organizations find it too bureaucratic.

Waterfall assumptions: Despite claims of iteration, ADM phases can feel sequential. Agile organizations struggle to fit TOGAF into rapid delivery.

Dated: TOGAF 9.2 (current version) doesn’t fully address cloud-native, microservices, or modern data architectures.

Consultant-friendly: Critics argue TOGAF benefits consultants more than practitioners by creating work and credentials.

Pragmatic Response

TOGAF is a toolkit, not a religion:

  • Adopt what helps, ignore what doesn’t
  • Adapt to your organizational context
  • Focus on outcomes, not compliance
  • Use TOGAF concepts without full methodology

Alternatives and Complements

Zachman Framework

Classification scheme for architecture artifacts. Complements TOGAF by organizing what TOGAF produces.

FEAF (Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework)

US government framework. Similar concepts, government focus.

SABSA

Security architecture framework. Often used alongside TOGAF for security concerns.

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)

Enterprise agile framework. Different philosophy but can integrate with TOGAF for architecture governance.

Data-Specific Frameworks

  • DAMA-DMBOK - Data management body of knowledge
  • DCAM - Data management capability assessment

These complement TOGAF’s data architecture domain with deeper data-specific guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TOGAF?
TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) is a framework for enterprise architecture - a structured approach to designing, planning, implementing, and governing enterprise IT architecture. It includes the Architecture Development Method (ADM), architecture domains, building blocks, and governance concepts.
What is the TOGAF ADM?
The Architecture Development Method (ADM) is TOGAF’s core process for developing enterprise architecture. It’s an iterative cycle of phases: Preliminary, Vision, Business Architecture, Information Systems, Technology Architecture, Opportunities, Migration Planning, Implementation Governance, and Change Management.
How does data architecture fit in TOGAF?
Data Architecture is one of four TOGAF architecture domains (along with Business, Application, and Technology). It covers data entities, relationships, lifecycle, governance, and management resources. Data architects work primarily in ADM Phase C (Information Systems Architectures).
Should I get TOGAF certified?
It depends on your context. TOGAF certification is valuable if your organization uses TOGAF, you work with enterprise architects, or employers value the credential. It’s less essential for startups, organizations not using formal EA, or when practical skills outweigh credentials.
Is TOGAF too heavyweight?
TOGAF can be heavyweight if applied rigidly. The framework is meant to be adapted - use what helps, ignore what doesn’t. Many organizations adopt TOGAF concepts (like building blocks and principles) without full methodology compliance.