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Introduction to theZachman Framework

Jim CarpenterPresident, DAMA-NCR

May 11, 1999 Program

Version 1.04 dated 5/13/99 8 AM

2What 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

Simple: – essential concepts– uncluttered graphical representation

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Uses of Frameworks

• Memorization (mnemonic device)

• Locating (user interface)

• Communication (frame a discussion)

• Design (how things fit together)

• Innovation (suggest new ideas)

4Zachman 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

5Zachman 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

6Zachman 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 - Objectives/Scope

• Owner - Enterprise Model

• Designer - IS Model

• Builder - Tech Model

• Subcontractor - Detailed Representations

• System - Functioning System

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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

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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).

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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

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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