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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