TOGAF - Solution Architect
- Lesson Plan
- Introduction
- Artifacts & Building Blocks
- Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs) in TOGAF
- Solution Building Block (SBB)
- TOGAF Architecture Repository
- ADM - Architecture Development Method
- ADM Cycle Iteration Approach
- Architecture Vision in TOGAF ADM (Phase A)
- Business Architecture in TOGAF ADM (Phase B)
- Information Systems Architecture in TOGAF ADM (Phase C)
- Different Types of Common System Architecture
- Opportunity & Solutions in ADM (Phase E)
Lesson Plan
Creating a lesson plan for training Solution Architects using TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) standards involves introducing learners to the essential principles, methods, and deliverables within the framework. Here’s a comprehensive lesson plan designed to cover the core concepts and skills a Solution Architect needs, structured around TOGAF.
Lesson Plan for Solution Architects Using TOGAF Standards
Course Title:
Solution Architecture Using TOGAF
Target Audience:
- Aspiring Solution Architects
- Experienced IT professionals looking to specialize in architecture
- Enterprise Architects who want to deepen their knowledge in Solution Architecture
Course Duration:
- 5 days (30-40 hours)
Can be adapted to a part-time structure over several weeks.
Day 1: Introduction to TOGAF and the Solution Architect Role
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Learning Objectives:
- Understand TOGAF and its value.
- Understand the role of a Solution Architect within the framework.
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Topics Covered:
- Introduction to TOGAF 9.2: Overview of TOGAF, key principles, and its components.
- Solution Architecture Overview: Role, responsibilities, and skills of a Solution Architect.
- Architecture Development Method (ADM): Introduction to TOGAF’s ADM phases and how they guide the development of architectures.
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Activities:
- Group discussion: The role of Solution Architecture in digital transformation.
- Case study: Review of a basic solution architecture framework.
Day 2: Architecture Development Method (ADM) and TOGAF Components
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Learning Objectives:
- Understand the ADM phases and how they apply to Solution Architecture.
- Know the core TOGAF artifacts and their use in Solution Architecture.
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Topics Covered:
- ADM in Detail:
- Preliminary Phase: Setting the architecture framework.
- Phase A (Architecture Vision): Establishing scope and high-level objectives.
- Phase B (Business Architecture): Aligning business goals and strategy.
- Phase C (Information Systems Architectures – Data and Application): Creating a solution based on data and application architecture.
- Core TOGAF Deliverables and Artifacts:
- Architecture Vision, Architecture Definition, and Architecture Contract.
- Building Block concepts (ABB, SBB).
- ADM in Detail:
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Activities:
- Hands-on exercise: Create a high-level architecture vision document.
- Case study analysis: Walk through a sample ADM process.
Day 3: Architecture Domains and Building Blocks
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Learning Objectives:
- Gain detailed understanding of the architecture domains.
- Learn to develop and utilize architecture building blocks (ABBs and SBBs).
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Topics Covered:
- Data and Application Architectures:
- Data modeling, data flows, and governance.
- Application architecture: defining application components and their interactions.
- Technology Architecture (Phase D):
- Mapping solution to infrastructure: platforms, security, and operational layers.
- Architecture Building Blocks (ABB): Key solution elements used across phases.
- Solution Building Blocks (SBB): Actual components used in building systems.
- Data and Application Architectures:
-
Activities:
- Group exercise: Develop ABBs and SBBs for a specific solution scenario.
- Use case review: Analyze the architecture domains for an enterprise solution.
Day 4: TOGAF Artifacts and Governance
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Learning Objectives:
- Learn about TOGAF artifacts and their role in delivering solutions.
- Understand architecture governance and how it supports project success.
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Topics Covered:
- Artifacts for Solution Architecture:
- Architecture Principles, Models, and Roadmaps.
- Architecture Repository and Enterprise Continuum.
- Governance and Compliance:
- Architecture Governance Framework.
- Risk management and architecture maturity.
- Architecture contracts and capability assessments.
- Artifacts for Solution Architecture:
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Activities:
- Create an architecture roadmap based on a business scenario.
- Interactive discussion: Applying governance in a real-world solution.
Day 5: Practical Application and Case Study
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Learning Objectives:
- Apply TOGAF principles to real-world solution scenarios.
- Learn best practices and troubleshooting for solution architecture.
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Topics Covered:
- Practical Solutions Architecture:
- Identifying business needs and technical requirements.
- Managing stakeholder expectations.
- Evaluating the solution for performance, scalability, and security.
- Finalizing ADM Cycle:
- Phase E (Opportunities and Solutions), Phase F (Migration Planning).
- Phase G (Implementation Governance), Phase H (Architecture Change Management).
- Case Study:
- Analyze and architect a solution based on a detailed business case.
- Present a solution architecture and governance plan.
- Practical Solutions Architecture:
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Activities:
- Case study project: Develop a full solution architecture for an enterprise problem.
- Group presentations: Present the solution and review feedback.
Materials Needed:
- TOGAF Reference Guides (TOGAF 9.2 Standard).
- Case studies and examples.
- Whiteboard, flip charts, and post-it notes for brainstorming and planning exercises.
- Access to architecture modeling tools (e.g., ArchiMate, Visio).
Assessment:
- Participation: 10% – Group discussions, participation in hands-on exercises.
- Case Study Assignment: 40% – Develop a detailed solution architecture plan.
- Final Project Presentation: 50% – Present a comprehensive solution architecture with governance.
Certification Path:
After completing this lesson plan, participants can opt for the TOGAF 9.2 Certification exam to validate their knowledge in TOGAF principles and methods.
Introduction
Core Concept
- Definition of Enterprise Architect.
- Architecture Domain, or BDAT.
- Architecture Development Method or ADM.
- Deliverables, Artifacts and Building Blocks.
Enterprise architecture (EA) is a strategic discipline that defines the structure and operation of an organization. It provides a comprehensive framework to align business processes, information systems, technology infrastructure, and governance with the organization's vision and objectives.
Key Characteristics of Enterprise Architecture:
- Holistic View: EA looks at the entire organization as an interconnected system, considering all aspects—business, data, applications, and technology, or in short, BDAT.
- Alignment: It ensures that IT investments and operations are aligned with business goals and deliver value.
- Framework-Driven: EA often employs frameworks like TOGAF, Zachman, or FEAF to guide its structure and methodologies.
- Transformation Focus: EA supports change management by providing a clear roadmap for achieving future states while minimizing risks.
Purpose of Enterprise Architecture:
- Strategic Decision-Making: Supports leaders in making informed decisions about IT investments and organizational changes.
- Operational efficiency: streamlines processes, reduces redundancies, and enhances interoperability.
- Adaptability: Enables organizations to respond to changing business environments and technological advancements.
- Risk Management: Identifies and mitigates risks associated with IT and organizational changes.
Artifacts & Building Blocks
Artifacts in TOGAF
Artifacts are specific documents, diagrams, or models that describe various aspects of the architecture. They are outputs from the architecture development process and are used to represent information in a structured and actionable manner.
Types of Artifacts:
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Catalogs: Lists or inventories of things like applications, data entities, or roles.
- Example: Applications Portfolio, Business Function Catalog.
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Matrices: relationships between different architectural elements.
- Example: Business Value Matrix, Application Stability Index, Estimations etc.
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Diagrams: graphic representations of a subset of the architecture.
- Example: Business Process Flow, Data Flow Diagram, Use Case Diagram, UML, Technology Infrastructure Diagram.
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Deliverables: Any documents that are agreed upon and signed off.
- Example: SOW, Department Roadmap, Estimation, HLD, SPD etc.
- Example: SOW, Department Roadmap, Estimation, HLD, SPD etc.
Building Blocks in TOGAF
Building blocks are reusable components that define capabilities and services within the architecture. They can represent either logical or physical elements and are foundational to creating consistent architectures.
Types of Building Blocks:
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Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs): Represent logical components that describe what needs to be done.
- Example: Business processes, data models, or application functionalities.
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Solution Building Blocks (SBBs): Represent physical components that describe how the logical requirements will be implemented.
- Example: Specific software, hardware, or platforms.
Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs) in TOGAF
Introduction
Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs) are high-level, logical components that describe the essential capabilities and services an organization requires to meet its business objectives. ABBs are abstract and technology-neutral, focusing on what needs to be achieved rather than how it will be implemented.
Characteristics of ABBs:
- Technology-Independent: ABBs define the capability without specifying the implementation details (e.g., "Data Storage Capability" vs. "SQL Database").
- Reusability: ABBs can be reused across multiple projects, reducing duplication and promoting consistency.
- Alignment with Business Needs: ABBs are directly tied to business requirements, ensuring they support strategic goals.
- Modularity: ABBs are designed to fit together with other building blocks to form complete solutions.
Structure of an ABB
An ABB typically contains the following attributes:
Attribute | Description |
---|---|
Name | A clear, concise name (e.g., "User Authentication"). |
Purpose | A description of what the ABB does (e.g., "Provides secure access to applications"). |
Capabilities | Key functions are provided by the ABB. |
Relationships | Interactions with other ABBs (e.g., dependencies on Data Storage ABB). |
Constraints | Business or regulatory constraints affecting the ABB. |
Requirements | High-level requirements the ABB must fulfill. |
Rationale | Justification for its inclusion in the architecture. |
Approach
we can use left-to-right approach such as starting from foundation Architecture to Common System Architecture to Industry Specific Architecture.
Example : Starting with basic LMS system to Industry specific or College or University specific LMS and so on.

Solution Building Block (SBB)
Introduction:
Solution Building Blocks (SBBs) represent the actual products, services, or components required to implement architecture. These blocks are specific, tangible, and are directly mapped to deliverables in an enterprise's technical or business domains.
Characteristics of SBBs:
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Tangible and Realizable:
- Unlike ABBs, which are conceptual, SBBs deal with real-world technologies, systems, or processes.
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Implementation-Ready:
- Detailed to a level where they can be developed or acquired.
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Vendor-Specific or Technology-Oriented:
- Often align with specific software, platforms, or services (e.g., SAP for ERP, AWS for cloud hosting).
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Traceability to ABBs:
- SBBs realize the concepts and capabilities defined by ABBs.
- Example: ABB might describe "Payment Gateway Functionality," while the SBB specifies the technology like Stripe or PayPal.
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Lifespan Management:
- SBBs may evolve as technology or business needs change.
SBB Structure:
A typical Solution Building Block includes:
Attribute | Description |
---|---|
Name | Clear identification and purpose of the SBB. |
Purpose / Specification | Functional and non-functional requirements, including performance, scalability, and compliance. |
Relationships | Connections to other SBBs or ABBs. |
Implementation Details: |
|
Constraints/Vendor/Product Information | Commercial or open-source solutions, such as Oracle DB, Salesforce. |
Requirements/Standards and Guidelines | Adherence to enterprise policies, such as data security protocols. |
Approach
We can use a left-to-right approach, such as starting from foundational Solution architecture to common solution architecture to industry-specific solution architecture.

TOGAF Architecture Repository
Introduction
The Architecture Repository in TOGAF is a structured framework that stores all the artifacts, guidelines, and references required for enterprise architecture management. It is a centralized repository used throughout the enterprise to govern architecture development and ensure consistency and compliance across projects.
Purpose of the Architecture Repository
- Centralized Storage: Provides a unified location for all architecture-related resources.
- Governance: Ensures alignment with organizational goals, standards, and policies.
- Reuse and Consistency: Facilitates reuse of artifacts and enforces consistent application of architectural principles.
- Traceability: Links architecture work to business outcomes, enabling accountability.
Key Components of the Architecture Repository
The Architecture Repository is divided into six main areas:
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Architecture Metamodel:
- Defines the structure of architecture descriptions, ensuring consistency.
- Includes definitions of artifacts, relationships, and viewpoints.
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Architecture Capability:
- Captures the resources needed to operate and manage the architecture function, such as policies, governance models, and roles.
- Includes:
- Governance Frameworks: Processes for compliance and decision-making.
- Skills Database: Information about the capabilities of enterprise architecture personnel.
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Architecture Landscape:
- Represents the current, target, and transitional states of the enterprise architecture.
- Organized into:
- Strategic Architecture: Long-term visions and roadmaps.
- Segment Architecture: Focus on specific business areas or capabilities.
- Capability Architecture: Details of projects and initiatives supporting capabilities.
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Reference Library:
- A collection of reusable resources, such as templates, standards, and patterns.
- Examples:
- Technology standards (e.g., HTTP, RESTful APIs).
- Industry models (e.g., TOGAF templates, BPMN models).
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Standards Information Base (SIB):
- Repository of industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Ensures compliance with legal and technical obligations.
- Examples:
- GDPR for data protection.
- ISO/IEC standards for IT systems.
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Governance Log:
- Records decisions, approvals, and compliance checks for architecture work.
- Provides traceability and auditability.
Architecture Repository and the ADM Cycle
The Architecture Repository is closely integrated with TOGAF’s Architecture Development Method (ADM). It supports each ADM phase by providing relevant resources and capturing outputs.
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Preliminary Phase:
- Establishes and populates the repository with initial standards, principles, and reference materials.
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Phases A-F (Architecture Vision, Business/Data/Application/Technology Architecture, Opportunities and Solutions):
- Uses the repository to draw reference models and templates.
- Updates the repository with new artifacts, building blocks, and plans.
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Phases G-H (Implementation Governance, Architecture Change):
- Tracks progress and ensures governance compliance using the Governance Log.
- Stores as-built architecture in the Architecture Landscape.
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Requirements Management:
- Links requirements to architecture artifacts in the repository, enabling traceability.
ADM - Architecture Development Method
Introduction
The Architecture Development Method (ADM) is the core of the TOGAF framework. It provides a step-by-step, iterative approach for developing and managing enterprise architecture to align IT solutions with business goals
The ADM cycle consists of 10 phases, starting from establishing the architecture vision to managing its implementation and ongoing changes. Each phase delivers specific outputs, which are used in subsequent phases.
Phases of the TOGAF ADM
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Preliminary Phase: Preparing the Architecture Effort
- Purpose: Establish the architecture capability within the organization.
- Key Activities:
- Define architecture principles.
- Develop the architecture governance framework.
- Set up the Architecture Repository.
- Outputs:
- Architecture Principles.
- Governance Framework.
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Phase A: Architecture Vision
- Purpose: Define the high-level vision, goals, and scope of the architecture project.
- Key Activities:
- Identify stakeholders and their concerns.
- Create an Architecture Vision document.
- Validate business goals and objectives.
- Outputs:
- Statement of Architecture Work.
- Architecture Vision document.
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Phase B: Business Architecture
- Purpose: Develop the business architecture to support the agreed architecture vision.
- Key Activities:
- Analyze the business strategy and objectives.
- Define the business capabilities, processes, and organizational structure.
- Outputs:
- Business Architecture artifacts (catalogs, matrices, diagrams).
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Phase C: Information Systems Architectures
- Purpose: Define architectures for data and applications.
- Sub-phases:
- Data Architecture: Focuses on the organization and management of data.
- Application Architecture: Addresses the structure and interaction of application systems.
- Outputs:
- Data and Application Architecture artifacts.
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Phase D: Technology Architecture
- Purpose: Develop the technology architecture to support business, data, and application needs.
- Key Activities:
- Identify technology standards and platforms.
- Define infrastructure services and systems.
- Outputs:
- Technology Architecture artifacts (network diagrams, infrastructure models).
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Phase E: Opportunities and Solutions
- Purpose: Identify and prioritize potential solutions to address business needs.
- Key Activities:
- Assess and consolidate implementation opportunities.
- Develop a high-level roadmap.
- Outputs:
- Transition Architecture(s).
- Project work packages.
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Phase F: Migration Planning
- Purpose: Create a detailed implementation and migration plan.
- Key Activities:
- Develop a roadmap showing dependencies and timelines.
- Align project sequencing with organizational priorities.
- Outputs:
- Implementation and Migration Plan.
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Phase G: Implementation Governance
- Purpose: Ensure the solutions are implemented in accordance with the defined architecture.
- Key Activities:
- Provide architectural oversight for projects.
- Ensure compliance with standards and guidelines.
- Outputs:
- Architecture Contract.
- Compliance assessments.
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Phase H: Architecture Change Management
- Purpose: Manage changes to the architecture and ensure it evolves with the business.
- Key Activities:
- Monitor the environment for changes.
- Assess impact and update the architecture.
- Outputs:
- Updated Architecture Requirements.
- Architecture Change Request.
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Requirements Management
- Purpose: Central phase that spans the ADM cycle to ensure requirements are identified, managed, and traceable.
- Key Activities:
- Maintain a continuous feedback loop between phases and stakeholders.
- Outputs:
- Updated requirements documentation.
ADM Cycle and Iteration
The ADM is iterative, allowing architects to revisit phases as required:
- Iteration Levels:
- Enterprise Level: Broad, strategic initiatives.
- Segment Level/Functional Decompositions: Focus on specific areas like departments or business functions.
- Capability Level: Address specific capabilities or solutions.
- Iteration Approach:
- Analyse Current State: Determine why changes are needed.
- Functional Decomposition: Process of breaking down specific areas like departments, business functions, or deliverables into sub-systems.
- Define Future State: Determine the set of conditions to meet the business needs.
- Benchmarking: The process of comparing an organization’s practices, performance, and strategies against industry standards, competitors, or best-in-class organizations.
- Market Research: The process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information about market trends, customer preferences, competitive landscapes, and emerging technologies.
Outputs of the ADM Phases
Each ADM phase produces artifacts, deliverables, and building blocks:
- Artifacts: Detailed representations, such as diagrams and catalogs.
- Deliverables: formal outputs shared with stakeholders, such as an Architecture Definition Document.
- Building Blocks: components that represent either conceptual capabilities (ABBs) or deployable solutions (SBBs).

ADM Cycle Iteration Approach
The Iteration Approach in TOGAF ADM allows organizations to adapt the architecture development process to their specific needs by revisiting phases and refining outputs iteratively. This ensures that the architecture evolves effectively and aligns with changing business priorities, complexities, and scales.
Analysing Current State
Why Changes are required

Functional Decomposition / Process Analysis

Define Future State
- Determine the set of necessary conditions for meeting business needs.
- Business Value Matrix.
- SWOT analysis.
- Benchmarking & Market Research.
Template:
Business Value Matrix.xls
Architecture Vision in TOGAF ADM (Phase A)
The Architecture Vision phase is the starting point of the architecture development process in the ADM cycle. It sets the foundation by defining what the organization wants to achieve with the architecture effort. Think of it as creating a blueprint of goals and priorities that aligns with the business strategy and meets stakeholder needs.
Key Purpose of the Architecture Vision Phase:
- Define a high-level view of the target architecture.
- Ensure alignment between business goals and IT solutions.
- Secure stakeholder buy-in by addressing their concerns and setting expectations.
- Serve as a roadmap for subsequent phases.
Example in Simple Terms:
- Scenario: A retail company wants to modernize its online shopping experience.
- Inputs:
- Request for work: Improve customer experience.
- Stakeholder needs: Faster website, better mobile app, seamless inventory.
- Existing system: Outdated e-commerce platform.
- Activities:
- Meet stakeholders, identify concerns (e.g., slow checkout).
- Define scope: Upgrade website, improve mobile app, add AI-driven recommendations.
- Develop a vision: A fast, AI-enhanced shopping platform integrated with inventory systems.
- Outputs:
- Architecture Vision: A diagram showing the target architecture with key goals (e.g., faster checkout times).
- Stakeholder Map: List of stakeholders like IT, marketing, and customers.
- Work Statement: Details of the project, timeline, and deliverables.
Business Architecture in TOGAF ADM (Phase B)
The Business Architecture phase in the ADM cycle focuses on understanding and designing the business aspects of the enterprise. It ensures that the architecture supports the organization’s strategic goals by analyzing its processes, organizational structure, and capabilities.
In simple terms, this phase answers:
- "How does the business work now?" (Current state)
- "How should it work in the future?" (Target state)
Purpose of Business Architecture Phase
- To align business operations with the enterprise's strategic goals and vision.
- To identify the capabilities, processes, and organizational changes needed to achieve the architecture vision.
- To provide the foundation for developing data, application, and technology architectures.
Example in Simple Terms
Scenario: A bank wants to improve its customer experience for loan processing.
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Inputs:
- Vision Document: "Reduce loan approval time from 10 days to 2 days."
- Current Business Processes: Loan approval involves 5 manual steps across 3 teams.
- Stakeholder Requirements: Faster service, fewer errors, and better tracking.
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Activities:
- Baseline Analysis: Map the current loan approval process.
- Define Target: Design a streamlined, automated process with fewer hand-offs.
- Gap Analysis: Identify bottlenecks, such as manual data entry and redundant checks.
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Outputs:
- Business Process Model: Diagram showing an automated workflow with 3 steps instead of 5.
- Capability Map: Highlighting areas like automation, credit scoring, and customer notifications.
- Gap Analysis Results: Need to replace manual steps with a digital platform.
Information Systems Architecture in TOGAF ADM (Phase C)
The Information Systems Architecture phase in the ADM cycle focuses on the systems and data needed to support the business. It is divided into two parts:
- Data Architecture: Defines how data is stored, managed, and shared across the organization.
- Application Architecture: Identifies the applications required and how they interact to deliver business capabilities.
In simple terms, this phase answers:
- "What data do we need, and how do we organize it?" (Data Architecture)
- "What applications do we need, and how do they work together?" (Application Architecture)
Purpose of the Information Systems Architecture Phase
- To ensure that the right data and applications are in place to support the Business Architecture (from Phase B).
- To define the relationships between data and applications and their alignment with business processes.
- To provide a foundation for the Technology Architecture (Phase D).
Outputs of the Information Systems Architecture Phase
1. Data Architecture Artifacts
- Conceptual Data Model: High-level representation of the types of data used (e.g., customer, product, order).
- Logical Data Model: Details of relationships between data entities.
- Data Flow Diagram: Shows how data moves between systems and processes.
- Data Management Policies: Guidelines for data governance, security, and quality.
2. Application Architecture Artifacts
- Application Portfolio: List of current and future applications required to support the business.
- Application Interaction Diagram: Visualizes how applications communicate and share data.
- Application/Data Matrix: Maps applications to the data they use.
- User Roles and Interfaces: Defines who interacts with each application and how.
3. Gap Analysis Results
- Highlights missing or outdated applications, and inconsistencies in data management.
4. Updated Architecture Requirements:
- Refined stakeholder needs based on analysis.
5. Baseline and Target Architectures:
- Baseline: Existing data and application landscape.
- Target: Desired state of data organization and application functionality.
Example in Simple Terms
Scenario: A hospital wants to create a seamless patient experience by integrating its systems.
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Inputs:
- Business Architecture: "Provide patients with online appointment scheduling and medical record access."
- Current Systems: Separate systems for appointments, billing, and medical records.
- Stakeholder Requirements: Easy access to patient data for doctors and patients.
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Activities:
- Data Architecture: Define the patient data needed, such as appointments, medical history, and billing info. Create a data flow diagram showing how this data is shared across systems.
- Application Architecture: Identify required applications like a patient portal, scheduling system, and billing system. Define how they integrate.
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Outputs:
- Data Artifacts: A logical data model showing patient data relationships.
- Application Artifacts: Application interaction diagram showing the integration between systems.
- Gap Analysis: Current systems don’t communicate effectively; an integration platform is needed.
Different Types of Common System Architecture
System architecture refers to the structure and design of a system, defining how its components interact to deliver functionality. There are several common types of system architectures, each suited to specific use cases, complexities, and business requirements.
1. Monolithic Architecture
- Definition: The entire system is built as a single, unified unit where all components (UI, business logic, data access) are tightly integrated.
- Characteristics:
- One large codebase.
- Simple to develop initially but harder to scale and maintain.
- Use Cases:
- Small-scale applications.
- Systems with low complexity and infrequent updates.
- Examples: Traditional web applications built on early frameworks like ASP.NET or Ruby on Rails.
2. Layered (Tiered) Architecture
- Definition: Divides the system into layers (tiers), each with a specific role, such as presentation, business logic, and data access.
- Characteristics:
- Commonly follows the 3-tier model: Presentation, Business Logic, Data.
- Layers are loosely coupled.
- Use Cases:
- Enterprise applications with structured workflows.
- Scalable web apps requiring clear separation of concerns.
- Examples: E-commerce websites, ERP systems.
3. Client-Server Architecture
- Definition: A system where clients (front-end devices) request services or data from a server (back-end system).
- Characteristics:
- Centralized control (server) with multiple clients.
- Suitable for distributed environments.
- Use Cases:
- File-sharing systems, email systems, or database-driven apps.
- Examples: Web browsers communicating with web servers.
4. Microservices Architecture
- Definition: A system design where functionalities are broken into small, independent services that communicate over APIs.
- Characteristics:
- Highly modular and scalable.
- Each service can use different technologies and be deployed independently.
- Use Cases:
- Large-scale, complex applications requiring agility.
- Applications with frequent updates and diverse functionalities.
- Examples: Netflix, Amazon, Uber.
5. Event-Driven Architecture
- Definition: A system design where components communicate by producing and consuming events, often using an event broker or bus.
- Characteristics:
- Reactive and real-time communication.
- Decouples event producers from consumers.
- Use Cases:
- Systems requiring high responsiveness, like IoT applications.
- Streaming platforms and financial transaction systems.
- Examples: Stock trading platforms, Kafka-based systems.
6. Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)
- Definition: An architecture style where system components are delivered as reusable services, often exposed through a service bus.
- Characteristics:
- Services are loosely coupled.
- Focuses on reusability and interoperability.
- Use Cases:
- Enterprise-level integration of legacy systems.
- Scenarios requiring a focus on reusing business logic.
- Examples: Banking systems, healthcare systems with HL7.
7. Serverless Architecture
- Definition: A cloud-native architecture where the application is built on functions executed on demand, with no need for server management.
- Characteristics:
- Pay-as-you-go model for execution.
- Scales automatically based on demand.
- Use Cases:
- Lightweight, event-driven applications.
- Systems with sporadic workloads.
- Examples: AWS Lambda, Azure Functions.
8. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Architecture
- Definition: A decentralized system where nodes (peers) interact directly with one another without a central server.
- Characteristics:
- Resilient and fault-tolerant.
- No single point of failure.
- Use Cases:
- File-sharing systems, blockchain applications.
- Examples: BitTorrent, Bitcoin.
9. Distributed Architecture
- Definition: A system where components are distributed across multiple locations and communicate over a network.
- Characteristics:
- High availability and fault tolerance.
- Complex to manage and debug.
- Use Cases:
- Systems requiring scalability and high reliability.
- Real-time data processing systems.
- Examples: Hadoop, distributed databases like Cassandra.
10. Modular / Domain Architecture
- Definition: A system composed of interchangeable, self-contained modules that work together.
- Characteristics:
- Highly maintainable and adaptable.
- Supports plug-and-play functionality.
- Use Cases:
- Systems requiring flexibility and adaptability.
- Systems with evolving requirements.
- Examples: IoT systems with modular sensors.
11. Component-Based Architecture
- Definition: A design that organizes the system into reusable components that encapsulate functionality and interact through interfaces.
- Characteristics:
- Encourages reusability and separation of concerns.
- Components can be developed and tested independently.
- Use Cases:
- Software with reusable parts, such as UI libraries.
- Examples: React.js, Angular.
12. Hybrid Architecture
- Definition: A combination of multiple architectural styles to meet specific requirements.
- Characteristics:
- Tailored to the application's needs.
- Can be complex to design and maintain.
- Use Cases:
- Complex applications requiring diverse functionality.
- Systems with varying workloads.
- Examples: A system using microservices for core functions and serverless for auxiliary tasks.
Choosing the Right Architecture
The selection depends on:
- Scale of the Application: Small, medium, or large-scale.
- Complexity: Single-functionality vs. multi-functional systems.
- Performance Needs: Real-time processing vs. batch processing.
- Future Growth: Scalability and modularity requirements.
Opportunity & Solutions in ADM (Phase E)
In TOGAF’s Architecture Development Method (ADM), Opportunity & Solutions refers to identifying and designing potential solutions to address the business and technical challenges revealed earlier in the ADM cycle. This phase ensures that the architecture aligns with business needs while providing practical solutions for the identified opportunities.
In simple terms, it’s about turning the problems or gaps you've identified in the earlier phases into concrete solutions that will be implemented to meet the organization's needs. This phase also ensures that opportunities for improvement are captured and addressed in the solution design.
This phase will be done with POC or MVP. Based on the outcome, it will be further moved to project proposal and approval.
Purpose of Opportunity & Solutions Phase (Phase E)
- Identify Solutions for Business Needs: It connects business goals and requirements to practical solutions, ensuring that the architecture will support the business in the most efficient way possible.
- Assess Feasibility and Value: Evaluate the potential solutions and their feasibility, ensuring they provide value in terms of cost, time, and resources.
- Define Transition Roadmap: Plan how to move from the current architecture to the future architecture through specific projects, phases, or releases.
Outputs of the Opportunity & Solutions Phase
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Opportunity and Solution Definition:
- A clear definition of the opportunities that have been identified and the solutions proposed to address them.
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Solution Architecture Models:
- Detailed solution designs provide a blueprint for the proposed solution, ensuring all technical and business aspects are covered.
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Feasibility Assessments:
- Evaluation reports on the feasibility of the proposed solutions, covering aspects like technical viability, cost, and risk.
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Transition Roadmap:
- A roadmap or plan that outlines how the transition from the current architecture to the target architecture will happen step-by-step.
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Implementation and Migration Plans:
- A detailed plan for implementing the selected solutions, including projects, timelines, resource requirements, and milestones.
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Updated Architecture Requirements:
- Refined or additional requirements based on the solutions, potentially including new technology, infrastructure, or applications.
Example in Simple Terms
Let’s say a retail company wants to improve its Customer Experience Domain.
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Inputs:
- The Business Architecture might say that improving customer engagement is a priority.
- The Technology Architecture may reveal that the current website is slow and doesn’t support personalized recommendations.
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Activities:
- Opportunities: The company could improve customer engagement by implementing a recommendation engine and revamping the website for better performance.
- Solutions: The solution might be to deploy a cloud-based recommendation engine, redesign the website with a faster, more scalable architecture, and improve mobile responsiveness.
- Feasibility: A technical team evaluates the recommendation engine's scalability and cost against the company’s infrastructure.
- Transition Plan: The transition plan might involve migrating to the new system over three phases: pilot testing, implementation, and full-scale deployment.
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Outputs:
- A solution architecture defining how the recommendation engine will be integrated with the website.
- A feasibility report showing that the solution is technically viable and cost-effective.
- A transition roadmap with timelines for each deployment phase.