Enterprise Architecture | Zachman Framework

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In 1987, John Zachman, wrote: "To keep the business from disintegrating, the concept of an information systems architecture is becoming less of an option and more of a necessity." From that moment on, the Enterprise Architecture Framework of Zachman evolved. It became the model around which many major organizations are viewing and communicating their enterprise information infrastructure. It provides a blueprint, or architecture, for the organization's current and future information infrastructure.

The Zachman Enterprise Architecture at that time presented a new model for viewing and communicating information infrastructures.
Instead of looking at the process as a series of steps, he organized it around the points of view (perspectives) taken by the various players.

Players in the Enterprise Architecture framework

1. Someone who has undertaken to do business in a particular industry.
2. Business people who run the organization.
3. Systems analyst who wants to represent the business in a disciplined form.
4. Designer, who applies specific technologies to solve the problems of the business.
5. Builder of the system.
6. System itself.

The perspectives or points of view are represented as rows in the matrix (see figure below).
Zachman acknowledged that each of the participants was looking at the same categories of information, represented in the columns in the framework.

Information Categories in the Enterprise Architecture framework

• The data manipulated by an organization (what).
• Its functions and processes (how).
• Locations where business is conducted (where).
• Events that trigger business activities (when).
• People and organizations involved (who).
• Motivations and constraints which determine how the business behaves (why).

Enterprise Architecture (Zachman Framework) Terminology

• An "Enterprise" is a business association consisting of a recognized set of interacting business functions. It is capable to operate as an independent, standalone entity. With this definition, there can be enterprises within enterprises. For instance, a business unit within the overall corporate entity may be considered an enterprise as long as it could be operated independently. The enterprise can also be seen as an "Extended Enterprise", meaning that the scope of the impact of an enterprise architecture effort could also include inter-relationships with external entities. Such as: suppliers, business partners, and customers.
• "Architecture" provides the underlying framework. This defines and describes the platform required by the enterprise so that it can attain its objectives and achieve its business vision. It can be defined as: the set of principles, guidelines, policies, models, standards, and processes that, aligned with business strategy and information requirements, that is guiding the selection, creation and implementation of solutions that are aligned with future business direction.

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Information Sources Various sources of information regarding Enterprise Architecture (Zachman Framework). Here you will find powerpoints, videos, news, etc. to use in your own lectures and workshops. An Overview of Enterprise Architecture Framework Deliverables Frameworks Overview A number of enterprise architecture frameworks do exist. In this paper Frank Goethals differentiates between two classes... EA Overview. Definition and Strategic Benefits Enterprise Architecture, Strategic Alignment, Strategic Agility This presentation provides an overview of the concept of Enterprise Architecture, and clarifies the concept with a case ... Enterprise Architecture: Driving Business Benefits from IT IT infrastructure Enterprise architecture is the organizing logic for business processes and IT infrastructure, reflecting the integration... Enterprise Architecture: Unification of Information Technology and Business Enterprise Architecture Interesting presentation on the Enterprise Architecture Framework in IT. Sections: 1. Contents 2. History of Enterpris... Ethical Issues of IT, Information Systems and the Internet Ethics, Information Technology, Information Age, Moral Dimensions, Privay, Opt-in, Opt-out, Data Protection, Cookies This presentation discusses ethical issues with regard to information systems and technologies. The presentation include... Enterprise Architecture Applied to Social Networks Enterprise Architecture, Social Networks, Social Network Analysis This presentation is about enterprise architecture and how it is applied in social networks. The presentation includes t... Project Management of Information Technology Projects Project Management, Information Technology, Three Sphere Model This presentation provides information about project management, thereby especially focusing on a context of information... Information Management as Enabler of Transparency and Public trust Corporate Transparency, Information Management, Public Trust This presentation is about how Information Management (IM) contributes to transparency and includes the following sectio... How Information Systems Support Organizations Information Technology, Information Architecture, Types of Information Systems, Managing IT This presentation is about Information systems and Information technology in organizations. The presentation includes th... Change Management in an Information Technology / IT Context Change Management, Information Systems Planning, Information Systems Architecture, Information Systems Implementation This presentation provides information about the planning and implementation of change, focusing on a context of informa... A Methodology to Build Systems in Dynamic, Complex Innovation Environments Knowledge Management, Innovation Management This presentation is about building sustainable systems in today’s dynamic environment. The presentation includes the fo... Information Systems in Today's Organizations Information Technology, Objectives, Information Systems, Management Information Presentation about Information Systems in the world of today. The presentation includes the following sections: 1. Role...

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