A Comprehensive Guide for TOGAF ADM Phase D: Technology Architecture (Part 5)

Introduction

Welcome to the comprehensive guide on TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) Phase D, where we delve into the intricacies of Technology Architecture. In this phase, the technical facets of your enterprise’s architecture take center stage, influencing decisions vital to the success of your IT infrastructure.

Let’s explore the key considerations, inputs, steps, and outputs that shape the landscape of Technology Architecture.

Overview:

The Technology Architecture Phase addresses the technical elements within the Architecture Continuum. Decisions from earlier phases may impact technology components and platforms. Key areas of impact in Technology Architecture include performance, maintainability, location and latency, and availability.

Inputs:

1. Architecture Reference Materials from External Sources: External materials relevant to the architecture.
2. Product Information: Information on relevant products in the architecture.
3. Request for Architecture Work: Initial request for architecture work.
4. Capability Assessment: An assessment of organizational capabilities.
5. Communications Plan: A plan for communication during the architecture development.
6. Organizational Model for Enterprise Architecture: The structure of the enterprise architecture team.
7. Tailored Architecture Frameworks: Specific frameworks tailored for the enterprise.
8. Approved Statement of Architecture Work: Approved plan for architecture development.
9. Technology Principles: Principles guiding technology decisions.
10. Architecture Repository: Repository of architectural artifacts.
11. Draft Architecture Definition Document: Preliminary document outlining architecture details.
12. Draft Architecture Requirements Specifications: Preliminary specifications for architecture requirements.
13. Business, Data, and Application Architecture Components: Components of the Architecture Roadmap.

Steps:

1. Selecting Reference Models, Viewpoints, and Tools:
   • Define the overall modeling process, service portfolios, boundaries, and catalogs.
   • Develop:
     • Technology standards catalog
     • Technology portfolio catalog
     • System/Technology matrix
     • Environments and Locations diagram
     • Platform Decomposition diagram
     • Processing diagram
     • Networked Computing/Hardware diagram
     • Communications Engineering diagram
2. Developing the Baseline Technology Architecture Description:
   • Provide a current outlook on the existing technical environment.
   • Use information from the previous step.
3. Developing the Target Technology Architecture Description:
   • Present a future representation of the technology architecture to meet new requirements.
4. Performing Gap Analysis:
   • Identify gaps between baseline and target architecture.
   • Resolve conflicts using trade-off analysis.
   • Validate models against principles, objectives, and constraints.
   • Test for completeness in architecture models.
5. Defining Roadmap Components:
   • Aid in prioritizing activities in subsequent phases.
6. Resolving Impact:
   • Determine the impact of implementing the target technology architecture.
   • Assess ongoing activities of enterprise operations.
7. Conducting Formal Reviews:
   • Ensure the target technology architecture meets stakeholder requirements.
8. Finalizing the Technology Architecture:
   • Select building blocks and appropriate standards.
   • Develop supporting work products.
9. Creating the Architecture Definition Document:
   • Document rationale for building block decisions.
   • Describe components of the technology architecture, including functionality, attributes, dependent building blocks, interfaces, and mapping to business and organizational entities and policies.

Outputs:

• Refinement of Architecture Vision phase deliverables.
• Draft version of the Architecture Definition Document, including baseline and target technology architecture.
• Draft Architecture Requirements Specification.
• Technology Architecture components.

Phase Summary – Technology Architecture (Phase D)

Here’s a summarized version of the information in a tabular format:

Phase	Technology Architecture (Phase D)
Focus	Technical aspects within the Architecture Continuum.
Key Areas of Impact	Performance, maintainability, location and latency, and availability.
Inputs	– Architecture reference materials from external sources. – Product information. – Request for Architecture Work. – Capability Assessment. – Communications Plan. – Organizational Model for Enterprise Architecture. – Tailored Architecture Frameworks. – Approved Statement of Architecture Work. – Technology principles. – Architecture Repository. – Draft Architecture Definition Document. – Draft Architecture Requirements Specifications. – Business, Data, and Application Architecture components.
Steps	1. Selecting reference models, viewpoints, and tools. 2. Developing the Baseline Technology Architecture Description. 3. Developing the Target Technology Architecture Description. 4. Performing gap analysis 5. Defining roadmap components. 6. Resolving impact. 7. Conducting formal reviews. 8. Finalizing the Technology Architecture. 9. Creating the Architecture Definition Document.
Outputs	– Refinement of Architecture Vision phase deliverables. – Draft Architecture Definition Document (baseline and target). – Draft Architecture Requirements Specification. – Technology Architecture components.

Conclusion:

The Technology Architecture Phase is a critical step in the TOGAF ADM, ensuring that the technical aspects of the architecture align with business objectives and requirements. It involves a systematic approach to defining, analyzing, and finalizing the technology architecture, ultimately leading to the creation of comprehensive documentation and specifications for implementation.

TOGAF ADM Phase D – the Technology Architecture Phase, is a pivotal step in the journey towards a robust enterprise architecture. Focused on the technical intricacies within the Architecture Continuum, this phase addresses critical areas such as performance, maintainability, and availability.

The guide outlines a systematic approach, from selecting reference models to finalizing the Technology Architecture. Inputs range from external materials to organizational models, while outputs include refined deliverables and draft documents. Whether you’re navigating service boundaries or defining technology building blocks, this guide provides the roadmap to success in developing a future-ready Technology Architecture.