Comprehensive Guide to Key Differences in the ADM Cycle Between TOGAF 9 and TOGAF 10

Introduction

The Architecture Development Method (ADM) is the cornerstone of The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF), providing a structured approach to designing, planning, and implementing enterprise architecture. With the release of TOGAF 10 in 2022, the ADM has undergone significant updates from its TOGAF 9 incarnation, reflecting a shift toward greater flexibility, agility, and alignment with modern enterprise demands. This guide explores the key differences in the ADM cycle between TOGAF 9 and TOGAF 10, offering detailed explanations and practical examples to illustrate how these changes impact organizations across various industries.

Overview of the ADM Cycle

The ADM is a phased, iterative process that guides architects through the development and management of enterprise architecture. In both TOGAF 9 and TOGAF 10, it includes core phases: Preliminary, Architecture Vision, Business Architecture, Information Systems Architecture (Data and Application), Technology Architecture, Opportunities and Solutions, Migration Planning, Implementation Governance, and Architecture Change Management. However, TOGAF 10 reimagines how these phases are applied, prioritizing adaptability over rigidity.

Key Differences in the ADM Cycle Between TOGAF 9 and TOGAF 10

1. Flexibility and Iteration

• TOGAF 9:
  • Description: The ADM in TOGAF 9 follows a structured, linear sequence of phases. While iteration is possible, it’s not explicitly emphasized, often leading to a perception of rigidity.
  • Implication: Organizations must adhere closely to the predefined steps, which can slow down adaptation to changing needs.
  • Example:
    • Retail Chain: A retailer using TOGAF 9 to develop an e-commerce platform follows a step-by-step process from vision to implementation. Mid-project market shifts require restarting phases, delaying deployment.
• TOGAF 10:
  • Description: TOGAF 10 enhances the ADM’s flexibility, placing a strong emphasis on iteration and reuse. Phases can be revisited or adapted as needed, making the process more dynamic.
  • Implication: Architects can respond quickly to evolving requirements, aligning architecture with real-time business demands.
  • Examples:
    • Tech Startup: A SaaS provider iterates its Technology Architecture phase multiple times to incorporate customer feedback on a new cloud feature, accelerating time-to-market.
    • Healthcare System: A hospital refines its Data Architecture iteratively as new patient privacy regulations emerge, avoiding a full process restart.

2. Agile Integration

• TOGAF 9:
  • Description: TOGAF 9 lacks specific guidance on integrating Agile methodologies into the ADM, making it less suited for fast-paced, iterative development environments.
  • Implication: Organizations using Agile or DevOps must customize the framework extensively, often without clear direction.
  • Example:
    • Software Firm: A company adopting TOGAF 9 struggles to align its waterfall-style ADM with Agile sprints, resulting in delayed feature releases and team frustration.
• TOGAF 10:
  • Description: TOGAF 10 explicitly integrates Agile practices into the ADM, offering guidance on aligning architecture with sprints, iterative cycles, and DevOps workflows.
  • Implication: Architects can seamlessly support Agile teams, ensuring architecture evolves alongside rapid development.
  • Examples:
    • Mobile App Developer: Using TOGAF 10, the team aligns its Application Architecture phase with two-week sprints, delivering a new payment feature incrementally.
    • E-commerce Platform: An online retailer uses TOGAF 10’s Agile guidance to integrate DevOps pipelines into its Technology Architecture, enabling continuous deployment of site updates.

3. Process Model vs. Reference Model

• TOGAF 9:
  • Description: In TOGAF 9, the ADM is typically treated as a prescriptive process model, with organizations expected to follow its phases in sequence.
  • Implication: This approach can limit flexibility, especially for organizations with unique or non-linear needs.
  • Example:
    • Manufacturing Company: A firm designing a supply chain system adheres strictly to TOGAF 9’s ADM sequence, delaying implementation as it completes each phase fully before proceeding.
• TOGAF 10:
  • Description: TOGAF 10 repositions the ADM as a reference model rather than a strict process, encouraging organizations to adapt it to their context.
  • Implication: This shift empowers architects to tailor the ADM, focusing on relevant phases or combining them as needed.
  • Examples:
    • Financial Institution: A bank uses TOGAF 10’s ADM as a reference to prioritize Business and Technology Architecture for a new mobile app, skipping less critical phases initially.
    • Government Agency: A public sector entity adapts the ADM to focus on Governance and Change Management for a citizen portal, aligning with regulatory priorities.

4. Modes of Delivery

• TOGAF 9:
  • Description: TOGAF 9 does not explicitly define different modes of architecture delivery, relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
  • Implication: Organizations must fit their delivery needs into a single framework, which may not suit diverse project types.
  • Example:
    • Telecom Provider: A company rolling out a 4G network follows TOGAF 9’s standard ADM, applying the same process to both infrastructure and customer-facing systems despite differing needs.
• TOGAF 10:
  • Description: TOGAF 10 introduces distinct modes of delivery—such as adaptive architecture, continuous architecture, and transformation architecture—offering tailored approaches based on project scope and goals.
  • Implication: Architects can choose the most suitable mode, enhancing efficiency and relevance.
  • Examples:
    • Logistics Firm: A shipping company uses TOGAF 10’s continuous architecture mode to maintain an evolving warehouse system, integrating real-time IoT data.
    • Insurance Provider: An insurer adopts the transformation architecture mode to overhaul its legacy claims system, focusing on phased modernization.

Practical Applications Across Industries

The differences in the ADM cycle between TOGAF 9 and TOGAF 10 have profound implications for how organizations apply enterprise architecture. Here’s how these changes play out in practice:

• Retail:
  • TOGAF 9: A retailer follows a linear ADM to build a new inventory system, completing all phases before launch, which delays response to holiday demand spikes.
  • TOGAF 10: The same retailer uses an iterative, Agile-aligned ADM to roll out the system incrementally, adapting to customer trends mid-process.
• Healthcare:
  • TOGAF 9: A hospital designs a patient records system with a rigid ADM, requiring full completion of each phase, slowing deployment amid urgent needs.
  • TOGAF 10: The hospital leverages TOGAF 10’s flexible ADM as a reference, prioritizing Data Architecture and iterating as new regulations emerge.
• Finance:
  • TOGAF 9: A bank applies a prescriptive ADM to develop a fraud detection system, adhering to all phases despite tight deadlines.
  • TOGAF 10: The bank uses TOGAF 10’s adaptive delivery mode, focusing on key phases and iterating to meet compliance and market demands swiftly.
• Technology:
  • TOGAF 9: A tech firm struggles to align its microservices rollout with TOGAF 9’s linear ADM, requiring extensive customization.
  • TOGAF 10: The firm adopts TOGAF 10’s Agile-integrated ADM, aligning architecture with sprints for a seamless microservices deployment.
• Government:
  • TOGAF 9: A municipality follows TOGAF 9’s standard ADM for a public service portal, delaying launch due to its rigid structure.
  • TOGAF 10: The municipality uses TOGAF 10’s transformation mode, tailoring the ADM to prioritize citizen-facing features and governance.

Why These Differences Matter

The evolution of the ADM from TOGAF 9 to TOGAF 10 reflects a broader shift in enterprise architecture—from a structured, one-size-fits-all methodology to a flexible, agile framework. TOGAF 10’s emphasis on iteration, Agile integration, and adaptive delivery modes ensures architects can respond to rapid technological and business changes. By treating the ADM as a reference rather than a strict process, TOGAF 10 empowers organizations to innovate efficiently while maintaining alignment with strategic goals.

Conclusion

The ADM cycle in TOGAF 10 represents a significant leap forward from TOGAF 9, offering enhanced flexibility, Agile compatibility, and contextual adaptability. Through its focus on iteration, reference-based application, and diverse delivery modes, TOGAF 10 equips architects to tackle modern challenges—whether in fast-paced tech startups, regulated financial institutions, or transformative public sector projects. This guide has highlighted these differences with practical examples, demonstrating how TOGAF 10’s ADM can drive enterprise success in an ever-evolving landscape.

By understanding and leveraging these updates, organizations can transform their approach to enterprise architecture, ensuring it remains a powerful tool for innovation and growth.