Introduction to the Zachman Framework

Jim Carpenter

President, DAMA-NCR May 11, 1999 Program Version 1.04 dated 5/13/99 8 AM 1

What is a Framework?

• Essential supporting

structure

(Oxford Desk Dictionary and Thesaurus) • A simple

model

of an entire subject • A simple

classification system

of an entire subject 2 Simple: – essential concepts – uncluttered graphical representation

Uses of Frameworks

• Memorization (mnemonic device) • Locating (user interface) • Communication (frame a discussion) • Design (how things fit together) • Innovation (suggest new ideas) 3

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Zachman Framework: Motivation

• Types of documentation needed by – Building Architects – Manufacturers – Information Systems (IS) Designers • Many types of descriptions are not used in IS – Concentration on data models & process models – Each type of document is a limited view – Limited types of documentation gives limited perspective

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Zachman Framework

• A Classification Matrix • Classifies all kinds of

Descriptive Representations

• Some types of

Descriptive Representations

– Document – Model – List – Dictionary • Model my preferred generic term for all of above – Statements in a modeling language – Language =

fixed set

of concepts with representation

Zachman Framework: Classification Matrix

• Columns: the six interrogatives • What, How, Where, Who, When, Why • (Data, Function, Network, People, Time, Motivation) • Rows: Roles in the development process – Note: role names vary by context.

• Planner • Owner • Designer • Builder - Objectives/Scope - Enterprise Model - IS Model - Tech Model • Subcontractor - Detailed Representations • System - Functioning System 6

Impact

• IS includes more than data and function • Importance of the different players and their perspectives • Search for new forms of description and better integration – exciting new developments to be covered in future programs 7

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The ZF Phenomenon

• The ZF is a model with only 2 dimensions (36 cells) – The 6 types of questions – The 6 types of roles • How does such a simple model create such a phenomenal impact? Answer: – Exhaustive coverage of two orthogonal dimensions – The classified objects (descriptive artifacts) are critical to success of any type of project.

– Highly extensible in many other dimensions • Discussions usually fail to clearly identify the orthogonal dimensions (such as languages, methods, failures (thanks M.G.) , tests) .

Classification of Today’s Topics

• Metadata Registry Standards – Current version • Column 1 • Rows 1 - 6 – Next version (direction of) • Columns 1 - 6 • Rows 1 - 6 • SQL Programmer – Column 1 – Row 3 & 4 9

Classification of Audience ?

• Data Modelers (col 1, rows 2-4) • Process Modelers (col 2, rows 2-4) • Managers (row 2, all rows) – emphasis on col 5!

• CIOs (row 1) • Programmers (row 4 & 5) • Data base administrators (row 4, col 1) • ...

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References

• www.essentialstrategies.com/publications/methodology/index.htm

– This is David Hay’s web site. He is a noted author and popular speaker at DAMA events. There are several articles at this web page.

• Zachman, John, “A Framework for Information Systems Architecture”, IBM Systems Journal, Vol. 26, No. 3, 1987 – John Zachman is a popular speaker at DAMA events who never fails to motivate an audience.

• The web site for the Zachman Institute for Framework Advancement is at http://www.zifa.com 11