How does TOGAF define "architecture"?

TOGAF defines "architecture" as a formal description of a system or a detailed plan of the system at various levels. This definition emphasizes architecture's role in providing a structured way to understand and analyze complex systems. It encompasses the various components, their relationships, and the principles governing their design and evolution.

In the context of TOGAF, architecture is not merely about the individual elements of a system but focuses on how these elements work together to meet the organization’s goals and objectives. This includes high-level conceptual designs as well as more detailed views that may address specific aspects such as data, applications, and technology. By describing systems in this manner, TOGAF enables organizations to systematically approach their architecture development, ensuring coherence and alignment with business strategies.

The other choices focus on limited aspects or applications of systems but do not capture the broader, more comprehensive definition that TOGAF provides for architecture. For example, defining architecture solely as a collection of software applications ignores the critical integration and design principles that must be considered. Similarly, framing it merely as a project management tool or a financial model narrows its significance and functionality within enterprise architecture.