What is TOGAF Architecture Development Method(ADM)?
Architecture Development Method(ADM) is core to TOGAF Framework and describes a set of methods for developing an enterprise architecture.
Key points about TOGAF ADM –
- As a method, parts of it are iterative in nature.
- It is framework agnostic — It can be used with any other frameworks including Zackman.
TOGAF diagram below depicts the approach through four-part breakdown — Business, Information Technology (IT), Planning, and Change.
The ADM defines 2 Special phases and 8 sequential phases (A to H) —
1. Two special phases -
- The Preliminary Phase
- The Requirements Management Phase.
2. Eight sequential phases –
- Phase A — Vision
- Phase B — Business architecture
- Phase C — Information system architecture
- Phase D — Technology architecture
- Phase E — Opportunities and solutions
- Phase F — Migration planning
- Phase G — Implementation governance
- Phase H — Architecture change management
TOGAF Tools supporting ADM -
Enterprise Continuum —
The Enterprise Continuum is the outermost field and provides a context in execution of the ADM. The Enterprise Continuum classifies architecture assets, which may be referred as Building Blocks.
The Enterprise Continuum categorises assets used to develop architectures such as policies, standards, strategic initiatives, organisational structures.
The Enterprise Continuum further branches out into two categories -
- The Architecture Continuum offers a consistent way to define and understand the generic rules and relationships in an architecture.
The Architecture Continuum represents a structuring of Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs) which are re-usable architecture assets. - The Solutions Continuum provides a consistent way to describe and understand the implementation of the assets defined in the Architecture Continuum. It defines and lists what is available as re-usable Solution Building Blocks (SBBs).
Architecture Repository -
The architecture repository occupies a central position in TOGAF, which is used to store different architectural outputs created by the ADM.
It provides the capability to link architectural assets to components of the Detailed Design, deployment and other repositories.
The major components in Architecture Repository -
- Architecture Meta-model — Describes the organisational meta-model for architecture content.
- Architecture Capability — Defines the parameters, structures, and processes to support governance of Architecture Repository.
- Architecture Landscape — The architectural representation of assets deployed within the operating enterprise.
- Standards Information Base (SIB) — Captures all the industry standards new architecture must meet and comply with.
- Reference Library — Provides guidelines, templates, patterns, and reference material to assist in creation of new architectures.
- Governance Log — Maintains and provides a record of governance activity across the enterprise.
- Architecture Requirements Repository — Stores all authorised architecture requirements agreed with the Architecture Board.
Lastly, TOGAF ADM Techniques — I have chosen not to include and explain each and every technique in detail, some important ones from my opinion and hope this makes sense to readers.
The phases to be covered in next blog.
