TOGAF® Standard, 10th Edition · OGEA-101 Foundation · Quick revision
Target Architecture
Official definition — learn word for word
“The description of a future state of the architecture being developed for an organization.”
There may be several future states developed as a roadmap to show the evolution of the architecture to a target state (§4.78 note).
Source: CC §4.78
Memory aid
Vision = the succinct postcard of the Target. The ADD = the detailed map of it.
Memory aid — not TOGAF wording.
In plain words
The agreed description of where you want to be.
Plain-English summary — not TOGAF wording.
Worked example
One shared student record, used by every DUK system through APIs.
Illustrative example (Digital University Kerala) — not from the Standard.
01Mind map — related concepts
Target Architecture
SUMMARIZED BY
Architecture Vision (succinct description)
PHASES B–D · STEP 3
Develop Target … Architecture Description
ALTERNATIVES
Architecture Alternatives and Trade-offs technique
REACHED VIA
One or more Transition Architectures
ROADMAP
Timeline from Baseline to Target (Phase E)
NOT TO CONFUSE WITH
Architecture Vision (not the detailed target)
Source: CC §4.22, §4.78 · ADM §4.3.3, §9.3.10–9.3.11
02Architecture Vision vs Target Architecture
| Aspect | Architecture Vision (§4.22) | Target Architecture (§4.78) |
|---|---|---|
| What | A succinct description of the Target Architecture: its business value and the changes that will result | The description of a future state of the architecture being developed |
| Role | An aspirational vision and a boundary for detailed architecture development | The state the architecture is being developed towards |
| Where | Phase A · step 3.3.8 Develop Architecture Vision | Phases B–D · step 3 Develop Target Description |
Source: CC §4.22, §4.78 · ADM §3.3.8, §4.3.3
03From Vision to Target to Roadmap
Phase A · 3.3.8Develop Architecture Vision
Phases B–D · Step 3Develop Target Description; investigate alternatives if appropriate
Phases B–D · Step 4Perform Gap Analysis (baseline vs target)
Phase E · 9.3.10–9.3.11Transition Architectures and Architecture Roadmap, Baseline → Target
Source: ADM §3.3.8, §4.3.3–4.3.4, §9.3.10–9.3.11
04Where it appears in the ADM
Phases B, C, D · Step 3
Develop Target Business / Data / Application / Technology Architecture Description, to the extent necessary to support the Architecture Vision.
ADM §4.3.3, §6.3.3, §7.3.3, §8.3.3
Phase E · Step 9.3.11
The Architecture Roadmap describes a timeline of the progression from the Baseline to the Target Architecture.
ADM §9.3.11
Phase F
Addresses how to move from the Baseline to the Target Architectures by finalizing a detailed Implementation and Migration Plan.
CC §3.4
05Exam traps
“The Architecture Vision is the Target Architecture” → The Vision is a succinct description of the Target; the Target is developed in detail in B–D
“There is only ever one future state” → Several future states may be developed as a roadmap
“Target alternatives are not considered in TOGAF” → If appropriate, investigate alternatives with the Architecture Alternatives and Trade-offs technique
“The Target is developed in Phase E” → Phases B–D step 3; Phase E plans the route to it
06Self-test — tap to reveal
Q1Define Target Architecture.
The description of a future state of the architecture being developed for an organization.
Q2Can there be several future states?
Yes, as a roadmap to show evolution to a target state.
Q3What summarizes the Target succinctly?
The Architecture Vision.
Q4Which step in Phases B–D develops the Target?
Step 3.
Q5Which technique helps compare target alternatives?
Architecture Alternatives and Trade-offs.
Q6What describes the timeline from Baseline to Target?
The Architecture Roadmap (Phase E 9.3.11).
Q7Which phase finalizes the detailed plan to move to the Target?
Phase F.
Q8Which Phase A step develops the Architecture Vision?
Step 3.3.8.