TOGAF
Vendor-neutral framework for enterprise architecture governance
EU AI Act
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.
TOGAF
TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition
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
EU AI Act
Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 Artificial Intelligence Act
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
| Aspect | TOGAF | EU AI Act |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Enterprise architecture lifecycle and governance | Risk-based AI system safety and compliance |
| Industry | All industries, global enterprises | All sectors using AI, EU-focused |
| Nature | Voluntary methodology framework | Mandatory EU regulation with fines |
| Testing | Maturity assessments, compliance reviews | Conformity assessments, notified bodies |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, certification loss | Up to 7% global turnover fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about TOGAF and EU AI Act
TOGAF FAQ
EU AI Act FAQ
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