TOGAF
Vendor-neutral framework for enterprise architecture governance
CMMI
Global framework for process maturity and improvement
Quick Verdict
TOGAF provides enterprise architecture methodology for aligning business and IT, while CMMI offers process maturity model for improving delivery predictability. Companies adopt TOGAF for strategic design and CMMI for operational excellence and benchmarking.
TOGAF
TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition
Key Features
- Iterative ADM lifecycle for architecture development
- Content Framework with metamodel for traceability
- Enterprise Continuum enabling asset reuse
- Reference Models like TRM and III-RM
- Architecture Capability Framework for governance
CMMI
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
Key Features
- Maturity Levels 0-5 for organizational progression
- 25 Practice Areas in four category groups
- Staged and continuous capability representations
- SCAMPI appraisals for formal benchmarking
- Agile and DevOps integration support
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
TOGAF Details
What It Is
TOGAF® Standard, 10th Edition, is a vendor-neutral enterprise architecture framework developed by The Open Group. It provides a proven methodology for designing, planning, implementing, and governing enterprise-wide change. The primary approach is the iterative Architecture Development Method (ADM), supporting tailored, repeatable architecture lifecycles across business and IT.
Key Components
- **ADM phasesPreliminary, Vision, Business/Data/Application/Technology Architectures, Opportunities, Migration, Governance, Change Management, plus ongoing Requirements Management.
- **Content FrameworkDeliverables, artifacts (catalogs, matrices, diagrams), building blocks, and metamodel for core entities like actors, services, data.
- Enterprise Continuum and Reference Models (TRM, SIB, III-RM).
- **Architecture Capability FrameworkGovernance, skills, maturity models. Practitioner certification available, no organizational certification.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives business-IT alignment, reduces duplication/costs, accelerates delivery via reuse, enhances risk management/governance, avoids vendor lock-in. Builds stakeholder trust through consistent standards and traceability.
Implementation Overview
Phased tailoring of ADM with pilots, repository setup, Architecture Board. Suited for large enterprises across industries; requires training, tools, executive sponsorship. Iterative rollout focuses on maturity assessment and measurable outcomes.
CMMI Details
What It Is
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a performance improvement framework developed by Carnegie Mellon’s SEI and now governed by ISACA. It provides a structured approach to process institutionalization, focusing on maturity progression across development, services, and acquisition domains using staged or continuous representations.
Key Components
- Maturity Levels 0-5 (Incomplete to Optimizing) and Capability Levels 0-3 per area.
- 25 Practice Areas in v2.0, grouped into Doing, Managing, Enabling, Improving categories.
- Generic and specific practices for institutionalization; SCAMPI appraisals (A/B/C) for validation.
- Built on empirical best practices, supporting Agile/DevOps integration.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives predictability, quality, and ROI (e.g., 34% cost reduction).
- Meets contractual requirements in defense, regulated industries.
- Mitigates risks via measurement, governance; builds competitive benchmarking.
- Enhances stakeholder trust through published maturity ratings.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assessment, piloting, rollout, appraisal, sustainment.
- Involves gap analysis, training, tooling; suits mid-to-large organizations globally.
- Requires authorized SCAMPI Class A for formal certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | TOGAF | CMMI |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Enterprise architecture design, governance, lifecycle | Process improvement, maturity, performance benchmarking |
| Industry | All industries, large enterprises, global | Software, defense, services, regulated sectors |
| Nature | Vendor-neutral EA methodology/framework, voluntary | Process maturity model, voluntary certification |
| Testing | Architecture reviews, compliance assessments | SCAMPI appraisals (A/B/C), lead appraiser-led |
| Penalties | No formal penalties, loss of governance effectiveness | No legal penalties, lost contracts/certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about TOGAF and CMMI
TOGAF FAQ
CMMI FAQ
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