Chapter

Enterprise Architecture (EA) Frameworks Collection

An enterprise architecture framework (EAF) is essentially a structured tool that outlines how to create and use enterprise architecture. An EAF provides principles and practices for creating and using the architecture description of a system. It structures architects’ thinking by dividing the enterprise into domains, layers, or views and offers models – typically matrices and diagrams – to assist in documenting and understanding the enterprise.

These frameworks are not just for documenting technology. They are used to align IT strategy with business strategy, guide the technology investment decisions and manage the complexity of enterprise systems to ensure that the business as a whole is efficient, agile, and durable.

Top 10 Enterprise Architecture Frameworks

This table provides an overview of the top 10 EA frameworks, highlighting their unique approaches and the key features they offer to organizations looking to implement enterprise architecture practices.​​

Enterprise Architecture Framework
Description
Key Features

TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework)
An enterprise architecture methodology and framework used to improve business efficiency.

Highly comprehensive and detailed
Flexible and adaptable structure
Supports continuous EA development
Offers a set of tools for EA development
Widely recognized and used globally

Zachman Framework
A framework for enterprise architectures that provides a formal and highly structured way of defining an enterprise.

Matrix-based approach
Focuses on six fundamental elements
Strong on taxonomy and ontology
Often used for documenting existing architectures
Provides a holistic view of the organization

FEAF (Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework)
A US federal government framework for IT effectiveness.

Focuses on commonalities among federal agencies
Facilitates shared development
Includes five reference models
Aims for consolidation, optimization, and standardization
Designed to maximize shared services

DoDAF (Department of Defense Architecture Framework)
A framework designed by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to organize enterprise architecture for military applications.

Focus on military missions and operations
Provides a standardized approach
Includes viewpoints tailored for defense
Supports decision-making and resource allocation
Facilitates interoperability and capability sharing

MODAF (Ministry of Defence Architecture Framework)
An architecture framework for the UK Ministry of Defence.

Similar to DoDAF, but for the UK
Supports systems and capability integration
Promotes common standards and practices
Focuses on interoperability and information sharing
Addresses a wide range of stakeholders

ArchiMate
A technical standard for enterprise architecture that provides a comprehensive approach to design, describe, and manage an enterprise architecture.

Visual modeling language
Offers an open and independent EA standard
Integrates with TOGAF
Facilitates analysis and decision-making
Widely supported by EA tool vendors

Gartner
A framework that emphasizes business outcomes and focuses on defining business value at all levels of enterprise architecture.

Business value-driven
Flexible and non-prescriptive
Focuses on business, information, and technology layers
Promotes agility in EA practices
Advisory services and research-backed

PEAF (Pragmatic Enterprise Architecture Framework)
A framework that provides a simplified approach to enterprise architecture to deliver business value quickly and easily.

Simplicity and practicality
Quick to understand and implement
Emphasizes EA maturity and transformation
Addresses People, Processes, Tools and Artefacts
Offers a certification program

EAP (Enterprise Architecture Planning)
A strategic planning methodology that aligns IT projects with business objectives.

Based on business strategy
Defines inter-relationships between data, applications, and technology
Sequential planning process
Early precursor to modern EA frameworks
Focuses on planning over modeling

IEF (Integrated Enterprise Framework)
A comprehensive framework that aims to cover all aspects of enterprise architecture.

Aims for integration across different EA components
Supports complex enterprise environments
Includes a set of guiding principles for integration
Focuses on enterprise-wide coherence
Suitable for large organizations with varied IT systems

Each EA framework has its unique set of strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of a framework often depends on the specific needs and context of the organization considering its implementation. The drawbacks usually highlight the framework’s complexity, cost, or specificity, which might limit its applicability in certain contexts or for certain types of organizations.

Enterprise Architecture Framework Comparison

Here is a comparison of the key Enterprise Architecture (EA) frameworks detailing their respective advantages and disadvantages:

EA Framework
Advantages/Pros
Disadvantages/Cons

TOGAF

Provides a detailed step-by-step approach
Widely adopted with a large professional community
Flexible and adaptable to organization needs
Robust methodology with continuous updates
Compatible with other standards (e.g., ITIL, COBIT)

Can be overly complex for smaller organizations
Requires significant investment in training
Can be too rigid if not adapted properly
Implementation can be time-consuming
Risk of being too theoretical without practical application

Zachman Framework

Highly structured and comprehensive
Provides clear taxonomy for organizing architectural artifacts
Applicable to a wide variety of organizations
Facilitates communication between different stakeholders
Long-standing framework with proven methodology

Can be seen as overly complex and rigid
Not prescriptive or process-oriented
May be difficult to implement fully
Does not provide a direct path for implementation
Focuses more on documentation than on execution

FEAF

Tailored for the specific needs of US federal agencies
Promotes standardization and shared services
Includes specific reference models for federal use
Facilitates inter-agency communication and collaboration
Encourages efficient resource utilization

Primarily applicable to the US federal government
May not be easily adaptable to non-federal organizations
Can be bureaucratic and prescriptive
Risk of being outdated due to the pace of technology change
May require customization to fit specific agency needs

DoDAF

Specialized for defense and national security needs
Supports interoperability and capability-based planning
Structured to support large, complex organizations
Facilitates alignment of IT investments with mission goals
Provides a common language and standard for military projects

Highly specific to defense sector requirements
Can be complex and difficult to understand
Requires significant effort to maintain currency
Not easily transferable to the private sector
Focuses more on compliance than on innovation

MODAF

Addresses the needs of the UK Ministry of Defence
Similar to DoDAF, allowing for international collaboration
Supports complex system integrations
Focuses on interoperability within the defense sector
Provides a robust structure for managing change

Not as widely used outside the UK defense context
May be overly complex for non-defense organizations
Requires extensive training and expertise
May be too prescriptive in its approach
Adapting to non-defense needs can be challenging

ArchiMate

Standardized visual modeling language for EA
Strong support for business process modeling
Integrates with other EA frameworks like TOGAF
Backed by The Open Group
Facilitates understanding and communication.

May require additional training for proper use
Focused more on documentation than execution
Can be complex and overwhelming for beginners
Requires tool support for full functionality
Less prescriptive about the process

Gartner

Provides a strategic focus aligning with business goals
Adaptable to the changing business landscape
Backed by extensive research and advisory expertise
Supports digital business transformation
Promotes a flexible and less dogmatic approach to EA

Can be expensive due to the reliance on Gartner’s advisory services
May be too high-level for technical implementation details
Advice may be generic and not tailored to specific organizations
Reliance on Gartner’s ecosystem for full benefits
May lack detailed guidance for implementation

PEAF (Pragmatic Enterprise Architecture Framework)

Emphasizes practicality and ease of use
Focuses on quick wins and straightforward implementation
Suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises
Provides tools and techniques for immediate value
Covers the full EA lifecycle

Less known and recognized than other frameworks
May lack the depth required for larger organizations
Newer and less proven in the market
Certification and training resources are less available
May be too simplistic for complex enterprise needs

EAP (Enterprise Architecture Planning)

Aligns closely with business strategy
Effective for initial planning and alignment
Straightforward and easy to understand
Facilitates quick start for EA initiatives
Emphasizes the importance of data architecture

Considered outdated by some professionals
Lacks guidance on ongoing governance and maintenance
Does not cover detailed implementation strategies
May not address current IT trends and practices
Less comprehensive than other modern frameworks

IEF (Integrated Enterprise Framework)

Aims for comprehensive integration across EA facets
Supports a holistic view of the enterprise
Facilitates detailed analysis and planning
Designed for complex and diverse IT environments
Promotes consistency and standardization

Can be overly complex and detailed
Requires a high level of expertise to implement effectively
May be too cumbersome for agile or smaller organizations
Potential for high implementation costs
Risk of becoming too internally focused

Resources on EA Frameworks

The “Enterprise Architecture Frameworks” category in the CIO Reference Library is a collection of articles and documents that provide an overview of popular Enterprise Architecture (EA) frameworks and methodologies. This category is designed for IT executives and other business leaders seeking to understand better the different EA frameworks and methodologies available and how they can be applied within their organizations.

The articles and documents in this category cover a wide range of topics related to EA frameworks, such as:

TOGAF – includes articles that provide an overview of The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF), its components, and how it can be used to develop EA artifacts and models.
Zachman Framework – includes articles that provide an overview of the Zachman Framework, its history, and how it can be used to develop EA artifacts and models.
ArchiMate – includes articles that provide an overview of the ArchiMate language, its concepts and notation, and how it can be used to develop EA models.
FEAF – includes articles that provide an overview of the Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework (FEAF), its components, and how it can be used in the US Federal Government.
Other frameworks: This includes articles that provide an overview of other EA frameworks, such as the Gartner EA Framework, the IBM Enterprise Architecture Framework, and others.

The Enterprise Architecture Frameworks category is a valuable resource for IT executives and other business leaders seeking a better understanding of the different EA frameworks and methodologies available. The resources in this category provide an overview of the major EA frameworks, their components, and how they can be applied within organizations. Organizations can select the most appropriate framework for their needs by understanding these frameworks and developing effective EA initiatives that align with their business goals and objectives.

Please login to unlock all 90 posts in Enterprise Architecture (EA) Frameworks Collection

Join The Largest Global Network of CIOs!

Over 75,000 of your peers have begun their journey to CIO 3.0 Are you ready to start yours?
Mailchimp Signup (Short)