02a Basic Concepts Flashcards
Briefly explain what TOGAF is.
TOGAF is an architecture framework - The Open Group Architecture Framework.
It is a tool for assisting in the
- acceptance,
- production,
- use, and
- maintenance
of enterprise architectures.
It’s based on an iterative process model supported by best practices and a re-usable set of existing architectural assets.
Describe the structure of TOGAF.
- Part I: Introduction
- Part II: Architecture Development Method (ADM)
- Part III: ADM Guidelines and Techniques
- Part IV: Architecture Content Framework
- Part V: Enterprise Continuum
- Part VI: TOGAF Reference Models
- Part VII: Architecture Capability Framework
Briefly explain the contents of TOGAF Part I:
Introduction
Provides a high-level introduction to:
- the key concepts of enterprise architecture and, in particular,
- to the TOGAF approach.
It contains the definitions of terms used throughout TOGAF and release notes detailing the changes between this version and the previous version of TOGAF.
Briefly explain the contents of TOGAF Part II:
Architecture Development Method (ADM)
This part is the core of TOGAF.
It describes the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) – a step-by-step approach to developing an enterprise architecture.
Briefly explain the contents of TOGAF Part III:
ADM Guidelines and Techniques
This contains a collection of guidelines and techniques available for use in applying the ADM.
Briefly explain the contents of TOGAF Part IV:
Architecture Content Framework
This part describes the TOGAF content framework, including:
- a structured metamodel for architectural artifacts,
- the use of re-usable Architecture Building Blocks (ABBs), and
- an overview of typical architecture deliverables.
Briefly explain the contents of TOGAF Part V:
Enterprise Continuum and Tools
This part discusses appropriate taxonomies and tools to categorize and store the outputs of architecture activity within an enterprise.
Briefly explain the contents of TOGAF Part VI:
TOGAF Reference Models
This part provides two architectural reference models, namely :
- the TOGAF Technical Reference Model (TRM), and
- the Integrated Information Infrastructure Reference Model (III-RM).
Briefly explain the contents of TOGAF Part VII:
Architecture Capability Framework
This part discusses the
- organization,
- processes,
- skills,
- roles, and
- responsibilities
required to establish and operate an architecture practice within an enterprise.
Describe what an enterprise is.
- A collection of organizations that share a common set of goals, such as a government agency, part of a corporation, or a corporation in its entirety.
- Large corporations may comprise multiple enterprises.
- An ‘extended enterprise’ can include partners, suppliers, and customers.
- The architecture crosses multiple systems and multiple functional groups within the enterprise.
Explain what architecture is - in the context of TOGAF
In TOGAF, ‘architecture’ has two meanings depending upon the context:
- A formal description of a system, or a detailed plan of the system at a component level to guide its implementation
- The structure of components, their inter-relationships, and the principles and guidelines governing their design and evolution over time
Provide two definitions of EA …
- The organizing logic for business processes and IT infrastructure reflecting the integration and standardization requirements of the firm’s operating model.
- A conceptual blueprint that defines the structure and operation of an organization.
The intent of an EA is to determine how an organization can most effectively achieve its current and future objectives.
What is the purpose of an Enterprise Architecture
To optimize across the enterprise the often fragmented legacy of processes (both manual and automated) into an integrated environment that is
- responsive to change and
- supportive of the delivery of the business strategy.
List the operational business benefits from a good EA
A more efficient business operation - in terms of:
- Lower business operation costs,
- More agile organization.
- Business capabilities shared across the organization,
- Lower change management costs,
- More flexible workforce,
- Improved business productivity
List the IT benefits from a good EA
- Lower software development, support, and maintenance costs,
- Increased portability of applications,
- Improved interoperability and easier system and network management,
- Improved ability to address critical enterprise-wide issues, such as security,
- Easier upgrade and exchange of system components
