Achieving TOGAF Certification: A How-To Guide - continued

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The TOGAF Architecture Development Method therefore does not prescribe any specific set of enterprise architecture deliverables - although it does describe a set, by way of example. Rather, TOGAF is designed to be used with whatever set of deliverables the architect feels is most appropriate for their business. That may be the set of deliverables described in TOGAF itself; or it may be the set associated with another framework, such as Zachman Framework or FEAF, for example.

TOGAF is not intended to compete with these other frameworks. Rather, it is intended to perform a unique role, in distilling what these other frameworks have to offer, and providing a generic Architecture Development Method that can be adapted for use with any of these other frameworks.

The Open Group's vision for TOGAF is as a vehicle and repository for practical, experience-based information on how to go about the process of enterprise architecture, providing an open method with which specific sets of deliverables, specific reference models, and other relevant architectural assets, can be integrated.

The Open Group's latest edition of TOGAF is version 8.1. The Open Group introduced the TOGAF 8 certification program in order to ensure the consistent application and usage of TOGAF throughout the industry, and protect the value of TOGAF to its users. This assurance program provides four classes of certification: Certified (for individual practitioners), Tool Support, Training and Professional Services. It is used by architecture service providers, tool vendors and individual enterprise architects.

For service providers and tool vendors, the certification provides a vehicle to clearly demonstrate that their services and products support and use the TOGAF methodology. Organizations can have their products (TOGAF Tools or Training Courses), and services certified by meeting the criteria specified in the appropriate Product Standard.

Individuals can become certified by demonstrating their knowledge of TOGAF either by attending a training course or passing an examination test. To date, more than 1,200 practitioners have been TOGAF 8 certified, which speaks volumes about IT Architecture as a well-recognized and increasingly important professional discipline.

With TOGAF, customers can base their IT architecture on an open, industry standard method, which works with all major frameworks and can procure tools, training and the services of consultants (individuals and integrators) with confidence on the basis of certified conformance with an open consensus standard.

To find out more about the TOGAF 8 certification program, please visit The Open Group web site.

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