What role does Enterprise Architecture play in business strategy according to TOGAF?

Enterprise Architecture plays a crucial role in business strategy by helping to align IT and business strategies, which is fundamental for achieving organizational goals. In the TOGAF framework, Enterprise Architecture serves as a blueprint that defines the structure and operation of an organization. This blueprint ensures that the IT infrastructure aligns with business objectives, thereby facilitating better decision-making and strategic planning.

By integrating business processes and technology within a cohesive framework, Enterprise Architecture enables organizations to respond effectively to changing market conditions and business needs. It allows for the identification of gaps between current capabilities and future aspirations, thus guiding organizations in making informed choices about investments in technology and resources. This alignment ensures that IT initiatives support strategic priorities, enhancing overall business effectiveness and operational efficiency.

In contrast, the other choices do not capture the primary role of Enterprise Architecture in the context of TOGAF. While project management integration and regulatory compliance are important, they do not specifically address the central role of aligning IT with business strategy. Similarly, focusing solely on data management practices neglects the broader scope of Enterprise Architecture, which encompasses more than just data governance and focuses on integrating various aspects of the organization.