--> A well-structured framework for developing, managing & governing enterprise architecture.
The TOGAF framework might be distinct from typical PM frameworks, yet they're complementary from an organisational standpoint.
Differentiator:- The Scope + The Strategic Alignment Aspects
With TOGAF , our prime focus would be only Enterprise Architecture. Core intent is that the tech infra "must be aligned" with business. Tech without Business alignment is similar to a train without an engine.
We'd need some core business goals in place, before setting up our technology solutions. It's more around designing, planning, implementing & governing EA.
PM frameworks are more geared towards the typical lifecycle processes "centred around the delivery of projects" --> Initiation, planning, monitoring, controlling, closing a project ---> within the scope & within the budget.
Making sure we're delivering quality within the timelines.
The framework components too are different --> ADM, Enterprise Continuum.
We'll discuss these subsequently, as we dive deeper.
Also, TOGAF's outputs include artifacts, building blocks, views (Something that describes the architecture) while typical PM frameworks' outputs are project-related documents
Summarising this real quick:- TOGAF is for long-term strategic planning, and IT alignment with the business. PM Frameworks deal with the "tactical" elements of Individual Project Executions.
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TOGAF aligns IT strategy with business goals.
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It improves process efficiency and optimizes resource usage.
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Establishes a common foundational understanding for tech and non-tech stakeholders.
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Sets governance structures to oversee implementations and ensure regulatory compliance.
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Can be adapted to specific organizational needs.
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Ensures well-managed plans and roadmaps for transitions.
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Evaluates the risk associated with IT investments, assessing feasibility and guiding decision-making.
Purpose:- Aligning business processes and structures with the overarching strategic goals
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Components:- Business processes, Org Structure, KPIs and Goals 📌
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My Personal Insights :- It's absolutely important that all of our critical business process are in sync with the Strategic objectives. Strategy should drive Technology, not vice-versa
Purpose:- Describes our model --> For managing data and assets, we're striving to ensure it's accessible, clean and accurate
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Components:- Data Models, Flow diagrams, Governance policies, Data storage and retrieval systems
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My Personal Insights :- You need to have some solid Data Governance policies, plus an efficient Data Management and Utilisation. This would make sure we've got the correct "Drivers" for Strategic Planning and Decision-Making 👍
Purpose:- Provides a blueprint for individual application systems; how they'd be deployed; integrations / interoperability --> Their relationships with Core Business Processes
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Components:- Application components, their interfaces, services
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My Personal Insights:- We need to design application architectures, that're not only meeting the current business requirements, but are also "scalable" to cater to future growth. This means a very "smooth integration/ interoperability"
Purpose:- This revolves around defining the infrastructure that would be needed to sustain/ support the applications we deploy.
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Components:- Software, servers, hardware, networking
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My personal Insights:- The way we've ensured smooth integration of applications to propel future growth, there must be a solid, robust infrastructure to not only support present-day demands, but scale up without becoming a bottleneck. Means it should have the right mix of components:- servers, networking aspects, software, in a way that its resilient to support critical functions