The Open Group Architecture Framework - Overview

Overview

An architecture framework is a set of tools which can be used for developing a broad range of different architectures. It should:

• describe a method for defining an information system in terms of a set of building blocks
• show how the building blocks fit together
• contain a set of tools
• provide a common vocabulary
• include a list of recommended standards
• include a list of compliant products that can be used to implement the building blocks

TOGAF is such an architecture framework.

The ANSI/IEEE Standard 1471-2000 specification of architecture (of software-intensive systems) may be stated as: "the fundamental organization of a system, embodied in its components, their relationships to each other and the environment, and the principles governing its design and evolution."

However TOGAF has its own view, which may be specified as either a "formal description of a system, or a detailed plan of the system at component level to guide its implementation", or as "the structure of components, their interrelationships, and the principles and guidelines governing their design and evolution over time."