 |
|
|
         
| The Zachman Framework provides a view of the subjects and models needed to develop a complete Enterprise Architecture. This framework is described in detail at the ZIFA web site. A lot of organizations make that claim that what they do is "compliant with the Zachman Framework"; this is akin to saying their documents use the English language. As the framework identifies the primitives that make up an Enterprise Architecture, it is pretty difficult to not use at least some of them. The issue is not whether you are using the Framework, but if you are using the framework to control the results of the analysis that produces the composite models needed to fully describe the enterprise.
high res image pdf image High res web page The Zachman Framework is a widely used approach for documenting an enterprise-wide systems. Zachman based his framework on practices in traditional architecture and engineering. This resulted in an approach which on the vertical axis provides multiple perspectives of the overall architecture, and on the horizontal axis a classification of the various artefacts of the architecture. The purpose of the framework is to provide a basic structure which supports the organization, access, integration, interpretation, development, management, and changing of a set of architectural representations of the organization's information systems. Such objects or descriptions of architectural representations are usually referred to as artefacts. It is very important to understand that the Zachman Framework says nothing about the processes for developing viewpoints or conformant views, or the order in which they should be developed. For this reason ANY method can say it complies with the Zachman Framework SO LONG AS IT PRODUCES THE ARTEFACTS DESCRIBED IN THE FRAMEWORK. The art and science of architecture is not in populating the cells on the framework but in employing the correct models, methods and tools to result in the composite products that produce the required output and in managing the work so one does not have to "boil the ocean" to complete a sufficient portion of the business to have some utility. The Zachman Framework therefore provides a a very comprehensive and well-established taxonomy of the various viewpoints, models and other artefacts that an enterprise may want to consider developing as part of an enterprise architecture. Various methods then make it possible to develop viewpoints and views to cover other aspects of the Zachman Framework as necessary. The Zachman Framework identifies the key perspectives to be used in understanding any organization and it supporting capabilities. Additional viewpoints may also be added to address specific needs within the overall architecture. The Framework then becomes a key tool to ensure completeness and consistency of the final product. The vertical axis of the Zachman Framework provides a source of potential viewpoints for the architect to consider. The horizontal axis could be regarded as providing a generic taxonomy of concerns. |
Copyright © Neil Kemp and Associates Ltd
|
