So Many Frameworks So Little Time

By now you have sold your Enterprise Architecture (EA) program to your CXO. The next step is determining which EA framework to use.

A few examples of these frameworks are: Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF), Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework (FEAF), National Association of Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Framework, The Gartner Enterprise Architecture Framework, and the Zachman Framework.

Not All Frameworks Are Created Equal

Unfortunately none of these frameworks are complete; however, each have their strong points. For example, if you are a federal government agency, your best option would be FEAF just as NASCIO would be most appropriate for state government.

As an Enterprise Architect or an aspiring one, you must become intimate with these frameworks and your business in order to choose the right one. Identify the quick wins or low hanging fruits in your organization and then match the framework that best addresses those.

Once you have chosen a framework, you are one step closer to framing your organization.

Pragmatic Advice

• Develop a list of your organization’s most troublesome areas or those which need addressed immediately. Think quick wins.
• Compare that list to your existing EA framework research.
• Seek peer advice when making your decision. For example, the Open Group has several Enterprise Architecture groups throughout the country or starts your own.
• Choose your framework and start your planning.