Zachman Framework: An Enterprise Architecture Framework

The Zachman framework is an enterprise architecture framework that does provide a formal and also highly structured way of viewing and also defining an enterprise or organization. This architecture framework usually have a two dimensional classification matrix of 36 cells that is usually based on the intersection of six kind of communication questions in its columns (where, what, why, when, who and how) with six rows levels of reification (Scope, technology model, business model, system model, components and working system) and actively transforming most difficult ideas into a more concrete ideas (Fishman, 2003). The matrix of this framework usually constitutes the overall set of descriptive representations which are relevant for describing something in an enterprise or organization. Therefore in real sense, Zachman framework is really a logical structure which is intended to give an overall representation of an IT enterprise. This architecture framework usually allow uses of multiple perspectives and also categorization of business artifacts. Zachman framework is therefore used by various level of management to gather and refine principles mostly from the older methods and then restructuring them into new ideas based on the business strategies and objectives (Ramadan, 2003). This framework usually incorporates independent tools and methods that are usually used by IT.

Most managers in many businesses view Zachman framework as a set of guidelines that assist their business in the management of complex and also evolving IT enterprises. Many business in industry such as construction, aviation, computers, transportation and other complex industrial products have admitted that they use Zachman framework as their fundamental str...

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...ecture is IBM. In fact Zachman framework was really invented by John Zachman in year 1980 for IBM organization although today it is open to public domain for use by other organization (Zachman, 1986). This framework usually borrows a lot form business design principles in architecture and also in manufacturing and that’s the reason why it help in viewing an enterprise and all its information systems from a different angle. Most large organizations face challenges in responding to change and this is mostly due to lack of proper internal understanding of the complex structure and also all components in different areas within the organization. But now, this is reducing because Zachman framework helps in providing a better means of classifying an organization’s architecture. ZIFA organization is the one which does represent and promote Zachman enterprise framework.