A Comparison of Top Enterprise Architecture Tools

This paper presents a comparison of 7 Enterprise Architecture Tools.

This paper presents a comparison of 7 Enterprise Architecture Tools. The key takeaway - as always - is the framework used to compare these Enterprise Architecture Tools. The evaluation criteria were synthesized from the following frameworks:

• IEEE Std 1209-1992: IEEE Recommended Practice for the Evaluation and Selection of CASE Tools
• ISO 14102: Information Technology – Guideline for the evaluation and selection of CASE tools
• TOGAF 8.0: a set of proposed evaluation criteria for selecting architecture tools (The Open Group, 2002)
• DSTO-TR-1139: Review of architecture tools for Australian Defence Force by Prekop et al. (2001)

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This study extensively compares leading tools used for enterprise architecture design and management, providing essential insight for IT professionals seeking to streamline their architecture efforts. The complexity of enterprise architecture necessitates powerful tools that can effectively manage intricate design processes, presenting a persistent problem for many organizations.

To address this issue, the paper undertook a thorough web-based search, compiling a diverse list of tools available in the market. A rigorous selection process followed, including the availability of demo versions and supportive materials like white papers, user manuals, and presentations.

Adopting the evaluation methodology recommended by the IEEE for CASE tools (IEEE Std 1209-1992), the paper presents an unbiased review of the tools, acknowledging the possibility of any inadvertent errors or misinterpretations by the single reviewer conducting the review.

Evaluation criteria were meticulously crafted, drawing from established references such as TOGAF and IEEE standards. Key assessment areas included the tool's overview, vendor quality (financial considerations, strategies, and services), and tool qualities. The latter encompassed enterprise architecture-related issues, modeling, documentation, usability, tool architecture, configuration, customizability, scalability, integration, and implementation and testing.

Several top-tier tools underwent this comprehensive review, each evaluated on the criteria mentioned above, along with their capabilities for framework support, method support, metamodel support, modeling language support, custom diagram capability, import and export capabilities, documentation functionalities, usability, architecture, multi-user support, and tool expandability.

The report concludes with an example of the EA tool selection process, serving as a practical guide for IT professionals. This comparative study offers a solution for IT professionals striving to select the best enterprise architecture tool for their organization, simplifying the decision-making process with an exhaustive, impartial analysis.

This paper can be an invaluable resource for CIOs as it provides a detailed and rigorous comparison of various enterprise architecture tools. Here's how they can use the insights from this study to address real-world problems:

1. Tool Selection: One of the most immediate applications of the findings from this paper is in the selection of enterprise architecture tools. Using the evaluation criteria and results, a CIO can make an informed decision about which tool may best suit their organization's specific needs and constraints.
2. Vendor Assessment: The study examines vendor qualities, including strategies, services, and financial considerations. This can guide CIOs in assessing the reliability, financial stability, and level of support potential vendors provide, reducing the risks associated with tool adoption.
3. Understanding Key Tool Features: The paper helps CIOs understand the essential features and capabilities to look for in an enterprise architecture tool. These include framework and method support, modeling language support, custom diagram capability, import/export capabilities, usability, multi-user support, and expandability.
4. Decision-Making Framework: Based on IEEE's recommended practice, the evaluation process adopted in this paper can serve as a useful framework for making other critical IT decisions. CIOs can adopt this methodology when evaluating and selecting other IT tools or solutions.
5. Investment Justification: The thorough analysis and comparison of tools can help CIOs justify the investment in a particular enterprise architecture tool to other stakeholders. By showing how a tool aligns with the defined evaluation criteria, a CIO can provide evidence-based arguments for its adoption.
6. Future-Proofing: The paper discusses tool qualities such as scalability and integration, which are essential for future-proofing IT investments. CIOs can use these insights to ensure that the tools they select today will continue to serve their organization as it grows and evolves.