02a Basic Concepts

Question 1

Briefly explain what TOGAF is.

Answer 1

TOGAF is an architecture framework - The Open Group Architecture Framework.

It is a tool for assisting in the

• acceptance,
• production,
• use, and
• maintenance

of enterprise architectures.

It’s based on an iterative process model supported by best practices and a re-usable set of existing architectural assets.

Question 2

Describe the structure of TOGAF.

Answer 2

• Part I: Introduction
• Part II: Architecture Development Method (ADM)
• Part III: ADM Guidelines and Techniques
• Part IV: Architecture Content Framework
• Part V: Enterprise Continuum
• Part VI: TOGAF Reference Models
• Part VII: Architecture Capability Framework

Question 3

Briefly explain the contents of TOGAF Part I:

Introduction

Answer 3

Provides a high-level introduction to:

• the key concepts of enterprise architecture and, in particular,
• to the TOGAF approach.

It contains the definitions of terms used throughout TOGAF and release notes detailing the changes between this version and the previous version of TOGAF.

Question 4

Briefly explain the contents of TOGAF Part II:

Architecture Development Method (ADM)

Answer 4

This part is the core of TOGAF.

It describes the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) – a step-by-step approach to developing an enterprise architecture.

Question 5

Briefly explain the contents of TOGAF Part III:

ADM Guidelines and Techniques

Answer 5

This contains a collection of guidelines and techniques available for use in applying the ADM.

Question 6

Briefly explain the contents of TOGAF Part IV:

Architecture Content Framework

Answer 6

This part describes the TOGAF content framework, including:

• a structured metamodel for architectural artifacts,
• the use of re-usable Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs), and
• an overview of typical architecture deliverables.

Question 7

Briefly explain the contents of TOGAF Part V:

Enterprise Continuum and Tools

Answer 7

This part discusses appropriate taxonomies and tools to categorize and store the outputs of architecture activity within an enterprise.

Question 8

Briefly explain the contents of TOGAF Part VI:

TOGAF Reference Models

Answer 8

This part provides two architectural reference models, namely :

• the TOGAF Technical Reference Model (TRM), and
• the Integrated Information Infrastructure Reference Model (III-RM).

Question 9

Briefly explain the contents of TOGAF Part VII:

Architecture Capability Framework

Answer 9

This part discusses the

• organization,
• processes,
• skills,
• roles, and
• responsibilities

required to establish and operate an architecture practice within an enterprise.

Question 10

Describe what an enterprise is.

Answer 10

• A collection of organizations that share a common set of goals, such as a government agency, part of a corporation, or a corporation in its entirety.
• Large corporations may comprise multiple enterprises.
• An ‘extended enterprise’ can include partners, suppliers, and customers.
• The architecture crosses multiple systems and multiple functional groups within the enterprise.

Question 11

Explain what architecture is - in the context of TOGAF

Answer 11

In TOGAF, ‘architecture’ has two meanings depending upon the context:

1. A formal description of a system, or a detailed plan of the system at a component level to guide its implementation
2. The structure of components, their inter-relationships, and the principles and guidelines governing their design and evolution over time

Question 12

Provide two definitions of EA …

Answer 12

1. The organizing logic for business processes and IT infrastructure reflecting the integration and standardization requirements of the firm’s operating model.
2. A conceptual blueprint that defines the structure and operation of an organization.

The intent of an EA is to determine how an organization can most effectively achieve its current and future objectives.

Question 13

What is the purpose of an Enterprise Architecture

Answer 13

To optimize across the enterprise the often fragmented legacy of processes (both manual and automated) into an integrated environment that is

• responsive to change and
• supportive of the delivery of the business strategy.

Question 14

List the operational business benefits from a good EA

Answer 14

A more efficient business operation - in terms of:

• Lower business operation costs,
• More agile organization.
• Business capabilities shared across the organization,
• Lower change management costs,
• More flexible workforce,
• Improved business productivity

Question 15

List the IT benefits from a good EA

Answer 15

• Lower software development, support, and maintenance costs,
• Increased portability of applications,
• Improved interoperability and easier system and network management,
• Improved ability to address critical enterprise-wide issues, such as security,
• Easier upgrade and exchange of system components

Question 16

List how a good EA improves ROI, and reduces risk

Answer 16

• Reduced complexity in the business and IT,
• Maximum return on investment in existing business and IT infrastructure,
• The flexibility to make, buy, or out-source business and IT solutions,
• Reduced risk overall in new investments and their costs of ownership

Question 17

List the procurment benefits from a good EA

Answer 17

• Simpler buying decisions - the information governing procurement is readily available in a coherent plan,
• Faster procurement process - maximizing procurement speed and flexibility without sacrificing architectural coherence,
• The ability to procure heterogeneous, multi-vendor open systems,
• The ability to secure more economic capabilities