Introduction to the Zachman Framework

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Introduction to theZachman Framework

• Jim Carpenter
• President, DAMA-NCR
• May 11, 1999 Program

Version 1.04 dated 5/13/99 8 AM
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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
• 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)

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Zachman FrameworkMotivation

• 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

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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 - 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 Todays 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/methodolo
  gy/index.htm
• This is David Hays 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