Standards Comparison

    TOGAF

    Voluntary
    2022

    Vendor-neutral framework for enterprise architecture governance

    VS

    EU AI Act

    Mandatory
    2024

    EU regulation for risk-based AI governance.

    Quick Verdict

    TOGAF provides a voluntary enterprise architecture framework for global alignment of business and IT, while EU AI Act mandates risk-based compliance for AI systems in EU markets with strict conformity and fines. Companies adopt TOGAF for efficiency, AI Act for legal necessity.

    Enterprise Architecture

    TOGAF

    TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Iterative ADM lifecycle across architecture domains
    • Content Metamodel ensuring traceability and consistency
    • Enterprise Continuum for reusable asset classification
    • Reference Models including TRM and III-RM
    • Architecture Capability Framework for governance structures
    Artificial Intelligence

    EU AI Act

    Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 Artificial Intelligence Act

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based classification into four AI tiers
    • Prohibitions on unacceptable-risk practices
    • High-risk conformity assessments and CE marking
    • GPAI model transparency and systemic risk duties
    • Post-market monitoring and incident reporting

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    TOGAF Details

    What It Is

    TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition (The Open Group Architecture Framework) is a vendor-neutral enterprise architecture framework. Its primary purpose is to align business strategy with IT through structured design, planning, implementation, and governance. Core approach is the iterative Architecture Development Method (ADM).

    Key Components

    • **ADM phasesPreliminary to Change Management, with continuous Requirements Management.
    • **Content FrameworkDeliverables, artifacts, building blocks via Content Metamodel.
    • **Enterprise ContinuumAsset reuse from generic to specific.
    • **Reference ModelsTRM, SIB, III-RM.
    • **Capability FrameworkGovernance, skills, maturity models. No fixed controls; certification via Open Group paths.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives efficiency, reduces duplication, enables reuse, improves ROI. Voluntary adoption for strategic alignment, risk management, interoperability. Builds stakeholder trust through governance.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased tailoring: foundation, pilot, scale via ADM iterations. Suits large enterprises across industries; requires tools, training, Architecture Board. No mandatory audits; focus on capability building. (178 words)

    EU AI Act Details

    What It Is

    Regulation (EU) 2024/1689, the EU AI Act, is a comprehensive horizontal regulation establishing harmonized rules for AI systems. Its primary purpose is to ensure AI safety, fundamental rights protection, and market access across the EU. It employs a **risk-based approachprohibiting unacceptable risks, regulating high-risk systems, transparency for limited-risk, and minimal rules for others.

    Key Components

    • **Four risk tiersprohibited practices, high-risk obligations (e.g., risk management, data governance, cybersecurity via Articles 9-15), GPAI model rules (Chapter V), transparency duties.
    • Over 100 requirements across lifecycle, with conformity assessments, CE marking, EU database registration.
    • Built on product safety principles; presumption of conformity via harmonized standards.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for EU market access, avoiding fines up to 7% global turnover.
    • Enhances risk management, trust, competitiveness in sectors like HR, biometrics, infrastructure.
    • Builds stakeholder confidence through auditable compliance.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased rollout (6-36 months); inventory AI assets, classify risks, build QMS, conduct assessments. Applies to providers/deployers EU-wide; involves audits, training, post-market monitoring. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    TOGAF
    Enterprise architecture lifecycle and governance
    EU AI Act
    Risk-based AI system safety and compliance

    Industry

    TOGAF
    All industries, global enterprises
    EU AI Act
    All sectors using AI, EU-focused

    Nature

    TOGAF
    Voluntary methodology framework
    EU AI Act
    Mandatory EU regulation with fines

    Testing

    TOGAF
    Maturity assessments, compliance reviews
    EU AI Act
    Conformity assessments, notified bodies

    Penalties

    TOGAF
    No legal penalties, certification loss
    EU AI Act
    Up to 7% global turnover fines

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about TOGAF and EU AI Act

    TOGAF FAQ

    EU AI Act FAQ

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