Comprehensive Guide to Phase D: Technology Architecture in TOGAF ADM

Introduction

Phase D of the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) focuses on developing the Technology Architecture for an Architecture Project. This phase ensures that the technology components and services enable the Architecture Vision and support the target business, data, and application building blocks. The following guide outlines the objectives, steps, inputs, and outputs for Phase D, ensuring a structured approach to developing the Technology Architecture.

Objectives and Steps

1. Develop the Target Technology Architecture

Objective: Create a Target Technology Architecture that enables the Architecture Vision and supports the target business, data, and application building blocks through technology components and services, addressing the Statement of Architecture Work and stakeholder concerns.

Steps:

• Identify Candidate Architecture Roadmap Components: Based on the gaps between the Baseline and Target Technology Architectures, identify components for the Architecture Roadmap.
• Follow Phase B Steps: Refer to the steps outlined in Phase B (Table 6) for detailed guidance on developing the Technology Architecture.

Inputs and Outputs

Inputs

1. Architecture Reference Materials:
   • Use architecture reference materials to guide the development of the Technology Architecture.
2. Product Information on Candidate Products:
   • Gather information on potential technology products that could be used in the architecture.
3. Request for Architecture Work:
   • The initial request that triggers the architecture development process.
4. Capability Assessment:
   • An evaluation of the organization’s current capabilities.
5. Communications Plan:
   • A plan for communicating the architecture vision and progress to stakeholders.
6. Organizational Model for Enterprise Architecture:
   • The organizational structure and roles involved in the Enterprise Architecture.
7. Tailored Architecture Framework:
   • The customized architecture framework used for the project.
8. Technology Principles:
   • The guiding principles for the Technology Architecture.
9. Statement of Architecture Work:
   • The approved document that outlines the scope, objectives, and deliverables of the architecture project.
10. Architecture Vision:
    • The comprehensive vision for the future state of the enterprise architecture.
11. Architecture Repository:
    • Existing architecture documentation, including framework descriptions, architecture descriptions, and baseline descriptions.
12. Draft Architecture Definition Document:
    • A preliminary document that may include baseline and/or target architectures of any architectural domain.
13. Draft Architecture Requirements Specification:
    • Includes gap analysis results and relevant technical requirements.
14. Business, Data, and Application Architecture Components of an Architecture Roadmap:
    • Components of the Architecture Roadmap that outline the steps to transition from the Baseline to the Target Business, Data, and Application Architectures.

Outputs

1. Refined and Updated Versions of the Architecture Vision Phase Deliverables:
   • Updated deliverables from the Architecture Vision phase, including the Statement of Architecture Work and validated or new technology principles.
2. Draft Architecture Definition Document:
   • Includes:
     • Baseline Technology Architecture (if appropriate)
     • Target Technology Architecture
     • Technology Architecture views corresponding to the selected viewpoints, addressing key stakeholder concerns
3. Draft Architecture Requirements Specification:
   • Includes:
     • Gap analysis report
     • Requirements output from Phases B and C
     • Updated technology requirements
4. Technology Architecture Components of an Architecture Roadmap:
   • Components of the Architecture Roadmap that outline the steps to transition from the Baseline to the Target Technology Architecture.

Key Concepts

• Technology Architecture: The structure and management of an organization’s technology resources and services.
• Baseline Technology Architecture: The current state of the Technology Architecture.
• Target Technology Architecture: The desired future state of the Technology Architecture.
• Gap Analysis: The process of identifying the differences between the Baseline and Target Technology Architectures.
• Architecture Roadmap: A plan that outlines the steps to transition from the Baseline to the Target Technology Architecture.
• Stakeholder Review: The process of presenting the architecture to stakeholders for feedback and approval.

Conclusion

Phase D of the TOGAF ADM is crucial for developing the Technology Architecture that supports the Architecture Vision and the target business, data, and application building blocks. By following the outlined steps and utilizing the necessary inputs, organizations can create a detailed Technology Architecture that addresses business goals, strategic drivers, and stakeholder concerns. The outputs of this phase provide a clear roadmap for transitioning from the current state to the desired future state, ensuring alignment with business objectives and strategic initiatives.

References

• Powerful TOGAF ADM Toolset 1.
• TOGAF ADM Software 2.
• Best TOGAF Software with Agile & UML – Visual Paradigm Enterprise 3.
• TOGAF ADM Software: Act and Generate ADM Deliverables 4.
• The Best TOGAF Software 5.
• TOGAF® Tool for Enterprise Architecture – ArchiMetric .
• Visual Paradigm TOGAF ADM Tool: Empowering Your Enterprise Architecture Teams – Visual Paradigm Guides .
• TOGAF ADM Tutorial .
• Step-by-Step Enterprise Architecture Tutorial with TOGAF .
• Streamline Your Enterprise Architecture with Visual Paradigm’s TOGAF ADM Tools – Visual Paradigm Guides .