Enterprise Architecture Using the Zachman Framework (MIS) [Paperback]

Carol O'Rourke (Author), Neal Fishman (Author), Warren Selkow (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0619064463 | ISBN-13: 978-0619064464 | Publication Date: April 15, 2003 | Edition: 1

Introduces the concept of Enterprise Architecture, using the Framework developed by John Zachman, to business and MIS students and professionals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 752 pages
• Publisher: Course Technology; 1 edition (April 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0619064463
• ISBN-13: 978-0619064464
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,285,794 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book; approach Zachman Framework w/caution, March 26, 2004

By 

Mike Tarrani "www.tarrani.com" (Deltona, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Enterprise Architecture Using the Zachman Framework (MIS) (Paperback)

This is more of a "What" than a "How" book, and it does clearly [if somewhat verbosely] describe the Zachman Framework. It also provides implementation advice (the "How"), but that information is not as clearly laid out as it is in "Enterprise Architecture Planning" (ISBN 0471599859).

I like this book because it is business-focused, and painstakingly describes the Zachman Framework and how it clearly provides a multidimensional view of business-technology alignment. It also reflects the latest thinking with respect to the framework, including Zachman DNA (Depth iNtegrating Architecture), which is missing from "Enterprise Architecture Planning" I cited above. It also contains some unique perspectives that I haven't found in other books, such as how to use the framework outside of IT (Appendix C), and how to map careers to the framework (Appendix D).

What is missing from this book, and others like it, is a disclosure of the dark side of the framework if an organization fully commits to it. One such problem is once you've mapped your enterprise architecture to the Zachman Framework's matrix, a change in any cell will cause a ripple effect throughout the matrix. As time goes on this effect becomes a barrier to changes or requires high maintenance to keep the architecture in synch with the business and technology components. This does not diminish the value of the Zachman Framework as a way to view the enterprise, but should forewarn you that implementing it as a principle methodology is a step that should be carefully considered before committing.

That said, this book is one I would highly recommend to anyone who is considering the Zachman Framework, or who is seeking an approach to clearly viewing an enterprise from multiple dimensions in order to cut through complexity and see the big picture. I also recommend that you visit the Zachman Institute (see ASIN B00016NEXI) to see the latest work and additional information.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Business Knowledge Manager, July 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Enterprise Architecture Using the Zachman Framework (MIS) (Paperback)

For four years I have been fighting an up hill battle to get my senior management to understand the need for a good knowledge management system. The Executives have all the standard answers about why we can't do it. The CEO could see no immediate payback.
I read the book, was taken completely by surprise by its content and depth. I managed to get the CEO to commit to read just the first three chapters. He read the whole book, in four days.
I have been given a fairly liberal budget to put the Framework in place. This is amazing in the health care industry.
What the book accomplishes, in great depth and much proof, is why enterprise architecture has become a matter of corporate survival. The author uses the lessons of history to make the points and further emphasizes how we see major corporations present themselves through the eyes of the framework.
An must read for you and your bosses to make the case for enterprise architecture.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A senior technical manager's view, July 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Enterprise Architecture Using the Zachman Framework (MIS) (Paperback)

This book tells it like it is and enables nontechies as well as the practitioner to see how the Zachman framework can be used with today's enterprise strategies. Although designed as a university text, I found this comprehensive book helpful in getting upper management to understand the need to invest in an architecture. The author shows how by using John Zachman's framework we can become more efficient and thorough in our analysis and design. The book shows how the framework can help an organization make better decisions by working through an enterprise solution cell by cell.

This book is a must read for executives, manager, and all IT professionals because it explains that enterprise architecture is a business issue, it addresses all 36 cells of the Zachman framework from both a business and IT perspective, it acknowledges political barriers to progress in an organization, and it demonstrates how various construction techniques can be supported by the framework.