What is an Architecture Contract in TOGAF?

An Architecture Contract in TOGAF serves as a formal agreement that outlines the responsibilities and obligations of stakeholders involved in the architecture development process. It ensures that all parties are aware of their roles in delivering the architecture, thus promoting accountability and clarity throughout the project.

This contract is crucial for aligning expectations between teams, including architects, project managers, and the various stakeholders involved. It often includes details about the deliverables, timelines, and participation required from each party, making it a vital component of successful architecture governance.

In contrast, agreements defining project timelines focus more on schedule management rather than the roles and responsibilities around architecture development. A report on architecture performance metrics would primarily deal with the assessment of how well the architecture is functioning rather than outlining governance or responsibility. An internal communication document serves a different purpose related to information sharing and updates, without the formal structure and binding specifications that characterize an Architecture Contract.