Introduction
It is recommended that, to enrich oneself knowledge, Individuals especially IT Professionals should undertake some certifications, technology trainings or some kind of self-learning programmes. One of such certification recommended for Enterprise Architects is TOGAF® – The Open Group Architecture Framework. It is an advanced approach to design that enterprise architects frequently use.What is TOGAF®?
TOGAF stands for The Open Group Architecture Framework. It’s a framework that allows businesses to design, plan, develop, and implement their business needs/requirements in structured manner complimenting to project management methodology thus enabling to achieve enterprise goals and objectives. The Open Group developed the framework in 1995, and it offers it to organizations to use it free internally. Organizations can’t use it for commercial purposes. This global consortium also provides certified tools and courses that businesses can use to implement TOGAF.Importance of TOGAF
The central role of TOGAF-certified architects is to translate the complex and technical processes of architecture development. Through usage of structured approach, skill allows them to help organizations and businesses in developing long-term strategies. It also helps them to manage the enterprise IT Portfolio comprising services, applications & infrastructure.
Certified experts assist in building a roadmap that guides an organization based on The Open Group Architecture Framework standards. They define all aspects of technology and ensure all processes within a company run smoothly.
Their role helps to ensure there is an alignment between an organization’s goals and their technology. They oversee the life cycles of technology in a company, especially when there are new updates, versions, or changes.
Levels of TOGAF® Certification
There are two levels of TOGAF certifications – Foundation and Practitioner. Current version of TOGAF certification is 10x.
Why do you need TOGAF?
As an enterprise architect, you need to know how to use The Open Group Architecture Framework. Since TOGAF is a world’s leading framework, getting the certification puts you at the top of the enterprise architecture field. It gives you the skills to develop, fix, and organize your company’s infrastructure.
- Learn a Common Language / Body of knowledge
- Meet Your Organization’s Needs Better / Business Problems or needs
- Explore New Opportunities
- Improves Problem solving skills
Benefits to Enterprise/Business
The main advantage of TOGAF is that, you alter the framework to meet an organization’s needs. It’s also scalable as your team can roll it out to all other departments without heavy tweaking. Most importantly, the Open Group releases regular updates and versions to keep it future-proof.
It helps to reduce cost, time, and risk involved in the development of enterprise IT landscape. Organizations can also realize quick benefits from implementation due to improved flexibility and freedom. This allows for steady business growth and easy restructuring.
The framework is no miracle tool, but it provides the structure that teams need to implement new technologies to resolve new challenges.
This is important for organizations that are steering towards agility.
