Architecture Domains

Architecture Domains in TOGAF 10 Foundation

Introduction to Architecture Domains

Architecture Domains are fundamental building blocks in the TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) methodology. They represent the four key perspectives through which an enterprise's architecture can be viewed and analyzed. Understanding Architecture Domains is essential for anyone pursuing TOGAF certification, as they form the foundation for comprehensive architecture planning and implementation.

Why Architecture Domains Are Important

Architecture Domains are critical for several reasons:

• Holistic View: They ensure that all aspects of an organization's architecture are considered, preventing siloed thinking and incomplete planning.
• Clear Scope Definition: They help define the boundaries and scope of architecture work, making it easier to manage large, complex transformation initiatives.
• Stakeholder Communication: Different stakeholders may be more interested in different domains, so understanding all four allows architects to communicate more effectively.
• Governance Framework: Architecture Domains provide a structure for governance, allowing organizations to manage change across different areas systematically.
• Enterprise Alignment: They ensure that business strategy is reflected across technology, information, and operational perspectives.

What Are Architecture Domains?

In TOGAF 10, there are four primary Architecture Domains:

1. Business Architecture

Definition: The business architecture domain describes the structure and function of the enterprise's business operations. It focuses on how the organization conducts its business and aligns with strategic objectives.

Key Components:

• Organizational structure and reporting relationships
• Business processes and workflows
• Business capabilities and their relationships
• Business goals and objectives
• Business functions and the value chain
• Business services that support operations

Primary Focus: Business strategy, operations, and organizational effectiveness.

2. Data Architecture

Definition: The data architecture domain describes the structure of the enterprise's data assets and how data flows through the organization. It focuses on how data is managed, stored, and utilized.

Key Components:

• Data entities and their relationships
• Data flows between systems and processes
• Data quality and governance standards
• Data storage and database design
• Master data management
• Data lifecycle management

Primary Focus: Data management, information architecture, and data governance.

3. Application Architecture

Definition: The application architecture domain describes the structure and interactions of applications that process and manage data. It focuses on how software applications support business processes.

Key Components:

• Application portfolio and inventory
• Application functionality and capabilities
• Application interfaces and integration points
• Application dependencies and relationships
• Application modernization plans
• Middleware and integration platforms

Primary Focus: Software systems, application design, and system integration.

4. Technology Architecture

Definition: The technology architecture domain describes the infrastructure and technology services that support applications and data. It focuses on the hardware, software, and network infrastructure that enables business operations.

Key Components:

• Hardware and infrastructure components
• Network architecture and communications
• System software and platforms
• Technology services and utilities
• Cloud infrastructure considerations
• Security and disaster recovery infrastructure

Primary Focus: Infrastructure, platforms, networks, and technology services.

How Architecture Domains Work Together

The four Architecture Domains work in an integrated and interdependent manner:

• Top-Down Alignment: Business Architecture drives requirements for the other three domains. Business needs determine what data, applications, and technology are required.
• Information Flow: Data Architecture sits at the center, connecting business processes to applications and technology infrastructure.
• Application Enablement: Application Architecture translates business requirements into software solutions, utilizing the Technology Architecture as its foundation.
• Infrastructure Support: Technology Architecture provides the foundational services and infrastructure that applications depend upon.
• Iterative Refinement: As architects work through each domain, insights may reveal the need to refine earlier architectural decisions, creating an iterative cycle.

The Relationship Between Domains

Consider a simple example: A business decides to improve customer service (Business Architecture). This requires capturing customer feedback (Data Architecture), implementing a CRM system (Application Architecture), and hosting it on cloud infrastructure (Technology Architecture). All four domains must align for successful implementation.

Key Principles When Working with Architecture Domains

• Separation of Concerns: Each domain has distinct characteristics, allowing focus on specific architectural aspects.
• Layered Approach: The domains build upon each other, creating a layered architectural view.
• Traceability: Requirements should be traceable across domains, from business strategy to technology implementation.
• Consistency: Architectural decisions in one domain should be consistent with decisions in other domains.
• Completeness: All four domains should be addressed to ensure comprehensive architecture planning.

How to Answer Questions on Architecture Domains in Exams

Understanding Question Types

Exam questions on Architecture Domains typically fall into these categories:

• Definition Questions: What does each domain cover?
• Relationship Questions: How do the domains interact?
• Scope Questions: Which domain does a specific element belong to?
• Priority Questions: Which domain should be addressed first?
• Scenario Questions: Given a business situation, identify relevant domains and considerations.

Step-by-Step Approach to Answering

Step 1: Read the Question Carefully
Identify the specific focus—is it asking about a particular domain, the relationship between domains, or their sequence?

Step 2: Recall the Four Domains
Always remember the four domains: Business, Data, Application, and Technology.

Step 3: Consider the Content of Each Domain
Think about what belongs to each domain:
Business = processes, functions, capabilities, strategy
Data = entities, flows, quality, governance
Application = software systems, interfaces, functionality
Technology = infrastructure, networks, platforms, services

Step 4: Eliminate Incorrect Options
Remove options that clearly belong to different domains or contain incorrect information.

Step 5: Verify Your Answer
Ensure your answer aligns with TOGAF principles and the definition of the domain in question.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Architecture Domains

Tip 1: Remember the Correct Sequence

When questions ask about the order in which domains are addressed, remember that Business Architecture should be the starting point, as it defines the requirements for the other three domains. The typical sequence is: Business → Data/Application/Technology (which are often parallel).

Tip 2: Focus on Domain Definitions

Many questions test whether you know what belongs to each domain. Create mental associations:
Business Architecture: Strategy, processes, organizational structure
Data Architecture: Data entities, flows, quality standards
Application Architecture: Software systems, interfaces, integration
Technology Architecture: Infrastructure, networks, hardware, platforms

Tip 3: Look for Keywords

Exam questions often contain keywords that indicate the relevant domain:
Keywords for Business: processes, functions, capabilities, objectives, organizational
Keywords for Data: entities, flows, quality, governance, information
Keywords for Application: systems, software, interfaces, functionality, integration
Keywords for Technology: infrastructure, networks, platforms, hardware, services

Tip 4: Understand Cross-Domain Dependencies

Be prepared for questions about how changes in one domain affect others. For example:
"If business processes change, which other domains might be affected?" Answer: Data Architecture (new data requirements), Application Architecture (modified system functionality), and Technology Architecture (potentially new infrastructure needs).

Tip 5: Watch for Scope Trick Questions

Some questions may present a statement that seems relevant but actually belongs to a different domain. For example:
Question: "Which statement describes Business Architecture?"
Incorrect: "The selection and deployment of cloud infrastructure" (This is Technology)
Correct: "The definition of business processes and organizational structure"

Tip 6: Remember the Holistic Nature

Never answer questions assuming that one domain can be addressed in isolation. TOGAF emphasizes the integrated nature of all four domains. If a question seems to suggest otherwise, that's likely incorrect.

Tip 7: Study the Relationships

Be familiar with how each domain relates to others:
Business and Data: Business processes require specific data to function
Business and Application: Business capabilities are realized by applications
Business and Technology: Business services depend on technology infrastructure
Data and Application: Applications process and manage data
Data and Technology: Technology infrastructure stores and transmits data
Application and Technology: Applications run on technology infrastructure

Tip 8: Practice Scenario-Based Questions

Scenario questions are common in TOGAF exams. When you encounter one:

1. Identify what the scenario is describing
2. Determine which domain(s) it relates to
3. Consider the full impact across all relevant domains
4. Select the answer that shows comprehensive understanding

Example: "An organization wants to improve inventory management. Which architecture domain should be reviewed first?"
Answer: Business Architecture (to understand current inventory processes and desired improvements), which then drives requirements for Data, Application, and Technology architectures.

Tip 9: Avoid Common Misconceptions

Misconception 1: Technology Architecture is only about servers and networks.
Correction: It includes all technology services that support applications and data.

Misconception 2: All four domains must be addressed equally in every project.
Correction: While all domains should be considered, emphasis varies based on project goals.

Misconception 3: Domains are sequential with clear handoffs.
Correction: They are parallel and interdependent with iterative refinement.

Misconception 4: Data Architecture is part of Application Architecture.
Correction: Data Architecture is a separate domain that Application Architecture depends upon.

Tip 10: Time Management Strategy

For domain questions in exams:
1. Allocate 1-2 minutes maximum per question
2. If you're unsure, eliminate clearly wrong answers first
3. Consider which domain is primarily being asked about if multiple seem relevant
4. Don't overthink—go with your understanding of domain definitions

Tip 11: Create a Quick Reference

Develop a simple mental model for exam day:
BDAT (Business, Data, Application, Technology)
Business = What we do
Data = What we know
Application = How we do it (systems)
Technology = What supports it (infrastructure)

Tip 12: Review Sample Questions

Before your exam:
1. Practice with official TOGAF sample questions
2. Analyze why correct answers are correct
3. Analyze why incorrect answers are wrong
4. Note patterns in how questions are asked
5. Identify any personal weak areas

Common Exam Scenario Examples

Scenario 1: Process Improvement Initiative
Situation: An organization wants to streamline its procurement process.
Domains Involved: Business (process definition), Data (supplier and order data), Application (procurement systems), Technology (supporting infrastructure)
Key Question: Which domain provides the requirements for the others? Answer: Business Architecture.

Scenario 2: System Consolidation
Situation: An organization has multiple redundant applications.
Domains Involved: Application (which systems to consolidate), Data (how to merge data sources), Technology (infrastructure changes), Business (operational impact)
Key Question: What should be analyzed first? Answer: Business impact and data relationships before consolidating applications.

Scenario 3: Digital Transformation
Situation: An organization wants to become more digital and customer-centric.
Domains Involved: All four domains
Key Question: Which domains might change simultaneously? Answer: Likely all, with Business defining the vision and the other three adapting to support it.

Summary and Quick Reference

To successfully answer questions on Architecture Domains:

• Know the four domains and their primary concerns
• Understand how they relate and depend on each other
• Remember that Business Architecture typically drives the others
• Use keywords in questions to identify the relevant domain
• Avoid domain confusion by studying their distinct characteristics
• Practice with scenario-based questions
• Don't overthink—stick to TOGAF definitions
• Remember that comprehensive architecture addresses all four domains

Final Exam Preparation Recommendation: Dedicate at least 30% of your study time to understanding Architecture Domains thoroughly. This foundational knowledge will help you answer many other TOGAF questions more effectively, as domains provide the structural framework for most architectural thinking in TOGAF.