TOGAF and infrastructure architecture

TOGAF stands for The Open Group Architecture Framework. It is an extensive method for establishing (Enterprise) Architectures. TOGAF is one of the few methods not developed by one company (like for instance IAF and DYA that are created by Capgemini and Sogeti respectively).The Open Group consists of a consortium of companies and institutions, developing many standards, including TOGAF.

TOGAF describes three types of architectures:

  • Business architecture
  • Information Systems architecture, which comprises:
    • Data architecture and
    • Applications architecture
  • Technical architecture

The ADM is the heart of TOGAF. It is an architecture development method.

2013-04/togaf.jpg

Figure: TOGAF ADM

The ADM method describes the steps to be taken to come to a complete enterprise architecture or a change to an existing architecture. Every step itself consists of (a large number of) smaller steps.

All steps can be performed sequentially; if in phase H it is concluded that a change of architecture is necessary, the ADM can be re-started from phase A.

It is also possible to use only a part of the ADM (for a particular change or project) or to do all of the ADM, but not all parts in an equally fine grained detail.

TOGAF is an open framework, of which the description can be found on the Internet. TOGAF is also published as a book (700+ pages!) which can be obtained from The Open Group. TOGAF does have a license structure; a fee must be paid if TOGAF is used in a commercial environment. Please check the website of The Open Group for details. For individuals TOGAF can be used under a free license.

TOGAF is an enterprise architecture framework, but it can be useful as a reference in an infrastructure architecture as well. Especially phases D, E and F of the ADM are relevant. Phase D (Technology architecture) is about describing the current and desired architecture and to find the gaps between them. Phase E (Opportunities and Solutions) explains how to create solutions from the desired architecture. And phase F (Migration planning) describes how to determine the projects needed to implement an architecture.

TOGAF also provides examples of architecture principles, stakeholder and requirements management, gap analysis, migration planning techniques and much more, all of them relevant for infrastructure architects.

But be aware that TOGAF is very detailed and complex. It is hard to comprehend and the text can be confusing at some places. Just pick out the parts that are useful in your project.


This entry was posted on Friday 07 June 2013

Earlier articles

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The cloud is as insecure as its configuration

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DevOps for infrastructure

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

(Hyper) Converged Infrastructure

Object storage

Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV)

Software Defined Storage (SDS)

What's the point of using Docker containers?

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Public wireless networks

Supercomputer architecture

Desktop virtualization

Stakeholder management

x86 platform architecture

Midrange systems architecture

Mainframe Architecture

Software Defined Data Center - SDDC

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Performance and availability monitoring in levels

UX/UI has no business rules

Technical debt: a time related issue

Solution shaping workshops

Architecture life cycle

Project managers and architects

Using ArchiMate for describing infrastructures

Kruchten’s 4+1 views for solution architecture

The SEI stack of solution architecture frameworks

TOGAF and infrastructure architecture

The Zachman framework

An introduction to architecture frameworks

How to handle a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack

Architecture Principles

Views and viewpoints explained

Stakeholders and their concerns

Skills of a solution architect architect

Solution architects versus enterprise architects

Definition of IT Architecture

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What is Cloud computing and IaaS?

Purchasing of IT infrastructure technologies and services

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Infrastructure Architecture - Course materials

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Human factors in availability of systems

Business Continuity Management (BCM) and Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)

Performance - Design for use

Performance concepts - Load balancing

Performance concepts - Scaling

Performance concept - Caching

Perceived performance

Ethical hacking

The first computers

Open group ITAC /Open CA Certification


Recommended links

Ruth Malan
Gaudi site
Esther Barthel's site on virtualization
Eltjo Poort's site on architecture


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The postings on this site are my opinions and do not necessarily represent CGI’s strategies, views or opinions.

 

Copyright Sjaak Laan