TOGAF® Standard, 10th Edition · OGEA-101 Foundation · Quick revision
Solutions Continuum
Official definition — learn word for word
“A categorization mechanism, with increasing detail and specialization, for the components and artifacts stored in the Solutions Landscape or Reference Library (part of the Architecture Repository).”
It represents the detailed specification and construction of the architectures at the corresponding levels of the Architecture Continuum, populated with reference building blocks — purchased products or built components (AC §6.4.2).
Source: CC §4.74 · AC §6.4.2
Memory aid
Moving right = providing solutions value. Moving left = addressing enterprise needs (AC §6.4.2).
Memory aid — not TOGAF wording.
In plain words
The same left-to-right shelf, but for real solutions — products and built components — instead of architecture designs.
Plain-English summary — not TOGAF wording.
Worked example
For DUK: an operating system is a Foundation Solution; a vendor's security product is a Common Systems Solution; a university student-information product is an Industry Solution; DUK's configured student portal is an Organization-Specific Solution.
Illustrative example (Digital University Kerala) — not from the Standard.
01Mind map — related concepts
Solutions Continuum
FOUR TYPES
Foundation · Common · Industry · Org-Specific
POPULATED WITH
Purchased products or built components
ACTS AS
A solutions inventory or re-use library
DIRECTIONS
Right: solutions value Left: enterprise needs
HELD IN
Solutions Landscape or Reference Library
NOT TO CONFUSE WITH
Architecture Continuum (ABBs)
Source: CC §4.74 · AC §6.4.2
02The four solution types (AC §6.4.2)
| Type | What it is | Example in the Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Solutions | Highly generic concepts, tools, products, services, and solution components | Programming languages, operating systems, EDIFACT, ITIL, IT4IT |
| Common Systems Solutions | An implementation of a Common Systems Architecture — products and services, may be certified or branded | Enterprise management system product; security system product |
| Industry Solutions | An implementation of an Industry Architecture — re-usable packages specific to an industry | Physical database schema; industry-specific point-of-service device |
| Organization-Specific Solutions | An implementation of the Organization-Specific Architecture; the highest amount of unique content | Structured to support specific SLAs |
Source: AC §6.4.2
03Building up solutions (moving right)
Foundation Solutions
used to create
Common Systems Solutions
used to create
Industry Solutions
used to create
Organization-Specific Solutions
Source: AC §6.4.2
04Where it appears in the ADM
Phase G · Step 11.3.3
Update Enterprise Continuum directory and repository for solutions.
ADM §11.3.3
Phases B–D → E
ABBs are refined into SBBs that are bought off-the-shelf or custom developed.
AC §5.3.2
05Exam traps
“ITIL is an Industry Solution” → ITIL is given as a Foundation Solution example
“Organization-Specific Solutions have the least unique content” → They have the highest amount of unique content
“The Solutions Continuum classifies ABBs” → It covers solutions — SBBs; ABBs are in the Architecture Continuum
“Moving left focuses on providing solutions value” → Moving right = solutions value; moving left = addressing enterprise needs
06Self-test — tap to reveal
Q1Define the Solutions Continuum.
A categorization mechanism, with increasing detail and specialization, for components and artifacts in the Solutions Landscape or Reference Library.
Q2Name the four solution types.
Foundation, Common Systems, Industry, Organization-Specific Solutions.
Q3What is it populated with?
Reference building blocks — purchased products or built components.
Q4What can a populated repository based on it be seen as?
A solutions inventory or re-use library.
Q5Give a Foundation Solution example.
An operating system (or a programming language, ITIL…).
Q6Which type has the most unique content?
Organization-Specific Solutions.
Q7What does moving right focus on?
Providing solutions value.
Q8Which Phase G step updates the solutions repository?
Step 11.3.3.