1 Introduction to the Zachman Framework Jim Carpenter President, DAMA-NCR May 11, 1999 Program Version 1.04 dated 5/13/99 8 AM

2 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

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

4 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

5 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

6 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

7 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

8 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).

9 Classification of Today’s Topics Metadata Registry Standards –Current version Column 1 Rows –Next version (direction of) Columns Rows SQL Programmer –Column 1 –Row 3 & 4

10 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)...

11 References –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