ArchiMate is a powerful modeling language that is closely aligned with the TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) standard. It supports the modeling of various architectures within the TOGAF framework, providing a comprehensive and integrated approach to enterprise architecture. This article explores how ArchiMate models different TOGAF architectures and supports the Architecture Development Method (ADM), with numerous examples to illustrate its application.

ArchiMate and TOGAF Alignment

ArchiMate’s core language structure corresponds with the main architectures addressed in the TOGAF ADM, making it an ideal tool for modeling enterprise architectures. It provides a vendor-independent set of concepts and relationships, including graphical representations, to create consistent and integrated models that can be depicted as TOGAF views.

Business Architecture (Phase B)

The Business Architecture, created in Phase B of the ADM, describes the organization’s strategy, governance, organization, and key business processes. ArchiMate models this architecture by defining:

• Business Processes: Illustrating how business activities are structured and interact.

  • Example: A retail company might model its sales process, including activities like customer acquisition, order processing, and delivery.

• Business Services: Representing the services offered by the organization to its customers.

  • Example: Services might include customer support, product delivery, and after-sales services.

• Business Functions: Grouping related business processes and services.

  • Example: Functions might include marketing, sales, and customer service.

• Business Actors: Identifying the roles and entities involved in business processes.

  • Example: Actors might include customers, sales representatives, and suppliers.

Application Architecture (Phase C)

Part of the Information Systems Architectures, the Application Architecture serves as a blueprint for individual applications, their interactions, and their relationships to core business processes. ArchiMate models this architecture by defining:

• Application Components: Representing individual applications or systems.

  • Example: Components might include a CRM system, an ERP system, and a customer portal.

• Application Services: Describing the services provided by applications.

  • Example: Services might include user authentication, data processing, and report generation.

• Application Interfaces: Defining how applications interact with each other.

  • Example: Interfaces might include APIs for data exchange between the CRM and ERP systems.

Data Architecture (Phase C)

Also part of the Information Systems Architectures, the Data Architecture defines the structure of logical and physical data assets and data management resources. ArchiMate models this architecture by defining:

• Data Objects: Representing data entities and their attributes.

  • Example: Data objects might include customer records, product catalogs, and sales transactions.

• Data Stores: Describing the storage of data.

  • Example: Data stores might include databases, data lakes, and file systems.

• Data Flows: Illustrating the movement of data between applications and processes.

  • Example: Data flows might include the transfer of customer data from the CRM system to the data warehouse.

Technology Architecture (Phase D)

The Technology Architecture, created in Phase D, defines the logical software and hardware capabilities required to support the other domains, including IT infrastructure, middleware, networks, and communication. ArchiMate models this architecture by defining:

• Technology Services: Representing the services provided by technology components.

  • Example: Services might include cloud storage, network connectivity, and virtualization.

• Technology Devices: Describing the physical hardware components.

  • Example: Devices might include servers, routers, and switches.

• Technology Interfaces: Defining how technology components interact.

  • Example: Interfaces might include protocols for communication between servers and networks.

Baseline and Target Architectures

ArchiMate is used to create both baseline (“as-is”) and target (“to-be”) architectures in all of the phases above. This allows organizations to model the current state of their architecture and define the desired future state.

• Baseline Architecture: Models the existing architecture, highlighting current capabilities and limitations.

  • Example: A baseline architecture might show the current IT infrastructure, including legacy systems and manual processes.

• Target Architecture: Models the desired future state, illustrating the changes needed to achieve strategic goals.

  • Example: A target architecture might show a modernized IT infrastructure with cloud-based services and automated processes.

ArchiMate Extensions for TOGAF ADM

In addition to the core language, ArchiMate extensions support other phases of the TOGAF ADM:

Strategy and Motivation Elements

These elements support the Preliminary Phase, Requirements Management, Phase A (Architecture Vision), and Phase H (Architecture Change Management) with concepts such as:

• Capabilities: Representing the abilities of the organization to achieve its goals.

  • Example: Capabilities might include innovation, agility, and customer satisfaction.

• Resources: Describing the assets required to achieve capabilities.

  • Example: Resources might include financial capital, human resources, and technology.

• Stakeholders: Identifying the individuals or groups affected by the architecture.

  • Example: Stakeholders might include customers, employees, and investors.

• Drivers: Representing the internal and external factors that influence the architecture.

  • Example: Drivers might include market trends, regulatory requirements, and customer demands.

• Goals: Defining the objectives of the architecture.

  • Example: Goals might include increasing market share, improving customer satisfaction, and reducing costs.

Implementation and Migration Elements

These elements address ADM Phase E (Opportunities and Solutions), Phase F (Migration Planning), and Phase G (Implementation Governance) with concepts such as:

• Work Packages: Representing the tasks and activities required to implement the architecture.

  • Example: Work packages might include system integration, data migration, and user training.

• Gaps: Identifying the differences between the baseline and target architectures.

  • Example: Gaps might include missing capabilities, outdated systems, and inefficient processes.

• Deliverables: Describing the outputs of work packages.

  • Example: Deliverables might include implemented systems, migrated data, and trained users.

• Plateaus: Representing stable intermediate states between the baseline and target architectures.

  • Example: Plateaus might include the implementation of a new CRM system before migrating to a cloud-based infrastructure.

Conclusion

ArchiMate complements TOGAF by providing a comprehensive and integrated approach to modeling enterprise architectures. Its alignment with the TOGAF ADM allows organizations to create consistent and coherent models that support strategic decision-making and effective implementation. By leveraging ArchiMate’s capabilities, organizations can achieve their architectural goals and drive business success.