Comparative analysis of enterprise architecture frameworks

Danica Oblak (2012) Comparative analysis of enterprise architecture frameworks. MSc thesis.

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Abstract

Today's enterprises are facing a competitive power in the dynamically changing business environment. With increasing complexity of enterprise, enterprise architecture have become an important field. Creating an enterprise architecture can be complex task, so enterprise architecture framework were created to simplify the process and guide an architect through all areas of architecture development. This study concentrates on the comparative analysis of enterprise architecture frameworks. There are numbers of already established enterprise architecture frameworks in use today. Enterprise architecture frameworks are necessary to capture the entire complexity of enterprise. Some of these frameworks were developed for very specific areas, whereas others have broader functionality. None of the enterprise architecture frameworks is really complete. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. In this research, we provide a comparison of several classic frameworks that can be used for guidance in the selection of an enterprise architecture framework. Through the research we have found factors that have made a significant effect on the quality of chosen enterprise architecture frameworks. Multi-criteria model for qualitative assessment of appropriateness of the enterprise architecture frameworks has been developed applying DEX method and decision-making program DEXi. Development of the model was carried out successively and finally applied to the analysed the top three enterprise architecture frameworks. To validate the value of our research we prepare practical presentation of the chosen enterprise architecture frameworks. Enterprise architecture frameworks were given five different hierarchical descriptive marks. The worst mark "good" was given to Zachman framework, a little better mark "very good" got TOGAF and ArchiMate. Combination of TOGAF and ArchiMate was assessed with the best mark "excellent". But these ranks are not very important. More important are differences between frameworks. This study should provide a good starting point for understanding the value of each of these frameworks. Niche problems may require niche solutions. When selecting an enterprise architecture framework, organizations should consider a range of criteria, and should weight these according to their current and future needs.

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