The Architecture Development Method (ADM) in TOGAF serves as the backbone for crafting organization-specific enterprise architecture, a collaborative effort by numerous architecture practitioners. This method presents a reliable and repeatable process, guiding the development of architectures through various crucial stages. These stages, encapsulated in an iterative cycle, enable organizations to methodically transform their enterprises in alignment with business objectives and opportunities.
The ADM unfolds in distinct phases within a cyclical process of change, visualized in an ADM cycle graphic. Here’s a brief overview of each phase:
- Preliminary Phase: Initiates the preparation for a new enterprise architecture, encompassing activities like defining an Organization-Specific Architecture framework and establishing principles.
- Phase A: Architecture Vision: Marks the outset of the Architecture Development Cycle, involving tasks such as defining scope, identifying stakeholders, crafting the Architecture Vision, and obtaining necessary approvals.
- Phase B: Business Architecture: Focuses on developing a Business Architecture that aligns with the agreed-upon Architecture Vision.
- Phase C: Information Systems Architectures: Concentrates on creating Information Systems Architectures, covering aspects like Data and Application Architectures, for the architecture project.
- Phase D: Technology Architecture: Centers around the development of the Technology Architecture for the architecture project.
- Phase E: Opportunities and Solutions: Engages in initial implementation planning and identifies delivery vehicles for the architecture defined in previous phases.
- Phase F: Migration Planning: Involves formulating a detailed sequence of Transition Architectures along with an Implementation and Migration Plan.
- Phase G: Implementation Governance: Provides architectural oversight during the implementation phase, ensuring alignment with the established architecture.
- Phase H: Architecture Change Management: Establishes procedures for managing changes to the new architecture.
- Requirements Management: Explores the process of managing architecture requirements throughout the ADM.
Through these well-defined phases, the ADM offers a structured approach, fostering controlled and purposeful enterprise transformation that adapts to evolving business landscapes.
Conclusion
The TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) serves as the cornerstone for creating organization-specific enterprise architecture, a collaborative effort shaped by diverse architecture practitioners. This method provides a reliable and repeatable process, guiding the development of architectures through a series of essential stages within an iterative cycle. This structured approach empowers organizations to transform systematically, responding to business goals and opportunities.
The ADM unfolds in a cyclical process of change, encompassing phases like the Preliminary Phase, which initiates preparation, and Phase A, focusing on defining the Architecture Vision. Subsequent phases cover the development of Business, Information Systems, and Technology Architectures, along with addressing implementation planning, governance, and change management.
In essence, the ADM offers a comprehensive and systematic framework that enables organizations to navigate the complexities of enterprise transformation, ensuring alignment with business objectives and fostering adaptability in a controlled manner.