TOGAF, is an abbreviation that stands for The Open Group Architecture Framework. This is basically a developmental framework that is used by enterprises or businesses to design, plan, develop and implement their IT architecture with minimal errors at a cost-effective budget. In 1995, The Department of Defense developed the first version of TOGAF which was based on the Technical Architecture Framework. Shortly afterwards they handed it over to The Open Group which has been running it ever since. This institute offers it freely to organizations for their use internally and not for commercial purposes. The Open Group Institute provides certified tools and courses that enterprises can use to implement TOGAF. Also featured is the Architecture Development method which is a result of continuous contributions from different TOGAF experts.
TOGAF professionals come in to aid organizations to design IT infrastructures adapted to meet their business goals and requirements by way of communicating with various departmental heads to build the right IT strategy effectively within a given time frame. A TOGAF certified professional is basically a ‘simplifier’ who elucidates the complex and technical processes of architectural developments. It is through this certification that one will be able to master all the principles of enterprise architecture, therefore, guaranteeing your career path to architect and other senior architect positions.
One may wonder why getting a TOGAF certification is a wise move or rather, the justification for the process. TOGAF is a world’s leading framework; therefore, getting their certification catapults you to the top of the field of enterprise architecture. It equips you with the skills to develop, solve and organize your organization’s infrastructure. Let us delve into 9 reasons as to why you should get a TOGAF certification as an enterprise architect:
- Understand a Common Language
- A Staged Approach
- Very High Demand
- Achieve an Organization’s Objectives More Effectively
- Venturing into New Projects
- Boost your Salary
- TOGAF is Budget Friendly
- Taking the Course Requires no Precondition
- Various Networking Opportunities
Let us now focus on each reason one at a time:
Understand a Common Language
TOGAF certified professionals tend to share common knowledge and proficiency because the certification is unique to professionals in enterprise architectures. The certification allows you to work and collaborate with other TOGAF professionals in the field seamlessly. To plan and implement the framework, It requires to have excellent communication skills since you need to explain the elements, principles, and concepts of the structure to professionals as well as non-professionals. This skill allows you to bring people on board with your ideas almost effortlessly.
A Staged Approach
The enterprise architecture exam has two levels to it; Foundation and Certified. This approach allows professionals to grow gradually since they learn the basics and progressively build on that knowledge towards becoming professionals.
Very High Demand
IT technology and architecture have become integrated into an organizations success now more than ever before. More and more companies are using TOGAF to plan how their businesses architecture is managed both on the short-term and long-term basis. As such, the demand for certified enterprise architects has gone up; the need to get this certification goes without saying.
Achieve an Organization’s Objectives More Effectively
Companies are continuously looking for ways to finalize on tasks within the shortest time possible and with ease. The TOGAF’s certification teaches enterprise architects how to meet their organizations’ needs satisfactorily. With knowledge, you can determine how the budget is spent and identify areas where you can cut on expenditure. TOGAF teaches you how you can put together your team to function as a single unit, therefore optimizing processes and reducing inter-departmental disputes which makes the running of a company easier hence meeting its goals and objectives easily.
Venturing into New Prospects
Most well-established enterprises trust professional certifications. By getting certified you put yourself in a position that shows industries you’ve been trained, tested and proven in an industry-recognized board. It shows that you are well conversant with concepts apposite to the field. This trust opens opportunities for you that may otherwise not be as easy to get.
Boost your Salary
On average, TOGAF certified professionals start on a salary of at least $78000 which is considerably higher than that of other non-certified professionals.
TOGAF is Budget Friendly
The cost of the certification can be as low as $325 for the foundation exam only. One can decide to sign up for both exams for roughly $500. Even after summing up the cost of the tuition fees, a TOGAF course is indeed a wise investment in your future as enterprise architecture.
Taking the Course Requires no Preconditions
Unlike other courses out there, taking a TOGAF certification course has zero prerequisites attached to it. This makes it easy for any professional seeking to start a career in IT Architecture. IT Architecture is a broad term that incorporates several players. For more on the other architects that are there, follow this link to read more
Various Networking Opportunities
Getting a TOGAF certification gives you a chance to meet other gurus in the same field as is the case with other certifications. You get to network, understand new and upcoming industry trends and exchange ideas that could be used to improve TOGAF concepts.
In summary, any serious enterprise architect who wishes to grow their portfolio ought to consider getting the TOGAF certification. There exist several training courses available all which lead to the certification. The Open Group Architecture Framework is customizable to meet any organizations needs and you can easily roll it out to various departments within the same organization without too much of a hustle. It’s cost effective, less time consuming and reduces the risks that come with developing enterprise infrastructure. With improved flexibility and freedom, TOGAF implementation helps companies achieve or realize quick benefits. When the right professionals implement it, it ceases to be a miracle tool and rather becomes a catalyst towards achieving enterprise objectives.
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