EA Frameworks

EA frameworks are key component in establishment of EA for organizations. Different framework has different focuses and strengths, and should be applied flexibly to proper circumstances. The main components or domains of the EA frameworks, however, are common. As identified and elaborated in the paper “Enterprise Architecture- Framework and Methodology for The Design of Architectures in the Large”, written by Michael Rohloff, Siemens AG, there are three main domains of the frameworks: Business architecture, Application architecture, and Infrastructure architecture.

Enterprise Architecture Framework Figure, from “Enterprise Architecture- Framework and Methodology for The Design of Architectures in the Large”

The elements of the three domains are realized as artifacts on the basis of the business strategy. In that sense, all the various frameworks function as guiding tools and “will only be as good as an organization's commitment to making changes”.

The dominant EA frameworks include: Zachman, TOGAF, FEA and Gartner. Here I will only provide my understanding of the Zachman Framework and TOGAF based on some reference materials.

The Zachman Framework is an ontology which helps to create the structure rather than a methodology which provides the transforming process. In practice, Zachman Framework is quite popular, since it can be applied with other frameworks that emphasize the process. The Zachman Framework can provide guidance on what kind of artifacts are needed in different stage of the process. The combined application can produce predictable and repeatable results according to the basic structure provided by Zachman Framework. The following figures show the ontology structure of Zachman Framework and one combined use of the framework and UML.

Zachman Framework 3.0, from www.zachman.com

 

 

One way UML Diagrams could map to the Zachman Framework, from “The Zachman Framework and the OMG's Model Driven Architecture”

The TOGAF with the core element AMD (the Architecture Development Method), is a cycled and step-by-step process to develop and maintain EA in an organization. The selection of the framework is done in the preliminary phase, followed by key phases such as Architecture Vision, Business Architecture, Information Systems Architectures, and Technology Architecture, etc.