02b Basic Concepts 2

Question 1

Define what an architecture framework is.

Answer 1

• It is a foundational structure / set of structures for developing a broad range of different architectures.
• Describes a method for designing a target state of the enterprise i.t.o. a set of building blocks, & for showing how the building blocks fit together.
• Contains a set of tools & provide a common vocabulary.
• Includes recommended standards & compliant products to implement the building blocks.

Question 2

Describe why you need a framework for Enterprise Architecture?

Answer 2

• Speeds up & simplifies architecture development
• Ensures more complete coverage of the designed solution
• Makes certain that the architecture selected allows for future growth in response to the needs of the business.

The value of a framework is that it provides a practical starting point for an architecture project.

Question 3

Explain why TOGAF is suitable as a framework for enterprise architecture

Answer 3

TOGAF has been collaboratively developed by 300+ Architecture Forum member companies from some of the world’s leading companies and organizations.

TOGAF results in enterprise architecture that:

• is consistent,
• reflects the needs of stakeholders,
• employs best practice, and
• considers both current requirements and the perceived future needs of the business.

Question 4

What are the different architecture domains that TOGAF deals with?

Answer 4

TOGAF 9 covers the development of four architecture domains:

• Business Architecture
• Data Architecture
• Application Architecture
• Technology Architecture

Question 5

What is covered in Business Architecture?

Answer 5

• Business strategy,
• Governance,
• Organization, and
• Key business processes.

Question 6

What is covered in Application Architecture?

Answer 6

A blueprint for :

• the individual application systems to be deployed,
• their interactions, and
• their relationships
• to the core business processes of the organization.

Question 7

What is covered in Data Architecture?

Answer 7

The structure of an organization’s

• logical and physical data assets and
• data management resources

Question 8

What is covered in Technology Architecture?

Answer 8

The software and hardware capabilities required to support deployment of business, data, and application services.

This includes

• IT infrastructure,
• middleware,
• networks,
• communications,
• processing, and
• standards.

Question 9

Describe the structure of TOGAF, and briefly explain the contents of each part.

Answer 9

• Central - is the Architecture Development Method
• The Architecture Capability Framework operates the ADM method.
• ADM is supported by a number of ADM Guidelines and Techniques.
• The Architecture Content Framework define how the content is to be stored in the repository, which is classified according to the Enterprise Continuum.
• The repository is initially populated with the TOGAF Reference Models.

Question 10

What is the ADM?

Answer 10

The ADM describes a process for deriving an organization-specific enterprise architecture that addresses business requirements.

Provides guidance for architects on a number of levels:
• It provides a number of architecture development phases (Business Architecture, Information Systems Architectures, Technology Architecture) in a cycle, as an overall process template for architecture development activity.
• It provides a narrative of each architecture phase, describing the phase in terms of objectives, approach, inputs, steps, and outputs. The inputs and outputs sections provide a definition of the architecture content structure and deliverables (a detailed description of the phase inputs and phase outputs is given in the Architecture Content Framework).

• It provides cross-phase summaries that cover requirements management.

Question 11

Purpose of the ADM Guidelines and Techniques

Answer 11

Provides a number of guidelines and techniques to support the application of the ADM.

The guidelines address adapting the ADM for usage scenarios, including :

• different process styles (e.g., the use of iteration) and
• specific specialty architectures (such as security).

The techniques support specific tasks within the ADM :

• Defining principles
• Business scenarios
• Gap analysis
• Migration planning
• Risk management, etc.

Question 12

What does the Architecture Content Framework provide?

Answer 12

It provides a detailed model of architectural work products, including:

• deliverables,
• artifacts within deliverables, and
• the Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs) that deliverables represent.

Question 13

What is the role of the Enterprise Continuum

Answer 13

It provides a model for structuring a virtual repository and provides methods for classifying architecture and solution artifacts, showing

• how the different types of artifacts evolve, and
• how they can be leveraged and re-used.

Question 14

Describe TOGAF’s Reference Models

Answer 14

TOGAF provides two reference models for possible inclusion :

• TOGAF Foundation Architecture Technical Reference Model : An architecture of generic services and functions - provides a foundation on which specific architectures and Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs) can be built.
• Integrated Information Infrastructure Reference Model (III-RM) : The III-RM is based on the TOGAF Foundation Architecture - specifically aimed at helping design architectures that enable & support the vision of Boundaryless Information Flow.

Question 15

Describe the Architecture Capability Framework

Answer 15

This is a set of resources, guidelines, templates,background information, etc. provided to help the architect establish an architecture practice within an organization.