Gartner Assessment of Enterprise Architecture Tool Capabilities

Transcription

1 G Gartner Assessment of Enterprise Architecture Tool Capabilities Published: 31 March 2011 Analyst(s): Julie Short, Chris Wilson Gartner identified eight critical capabilities for enterprise architecture (EA) tools and implemented use cases to demonstrate how end users would use these tools. In this report, we evaluate 17 vendors using this approach. Key All EA vendor products reviewed in this research met the capabilities as defined by Gartner, using different approaches and methods. The actual choice of tool depends on the needs, culture and maturity of the organization. Defining the functionality requirements for EA tools must be conducted by each organization. Use cases are important criteria for clarifying and demonstrating the functionality requirements of EA tools. Use cases alone are not sufficient criteria for tool selection. As no one tool will meet all needs, define your requirements for the tool capabilities, and weight them according to your specific needs. Define use cases that reflect these requirements, and task vendors with demonstrating how their product capabilities meet these requirements. Leverage Gartner's starter kit of use cases in this report, while specifically adapting the use cases to the unique needs of your own organization. Consider all aspects of tool selection that are required to meet organizational requirements, including existing tools and requirements for integrating with other tools, such as configuration management databases (CMDBs) and enterprise repositories. Table of Contents

2 ...3 Introduction... 3 Methodology... 3 Demonstration of Use Cases... 4 Capability Assessments...5 alfabet's planningit...5 Atoll Technologies' SAMU... 6 Avolution's Abacus... 8 BiZZdesign's Architect...9 Casewise's Corporate Modeler...11 Future Tech's Envision VIP IBM's Rational System Architect...13 iteratec's iteraplan Mega's Mega Suite...16 Metastorm's ProVision...17 Promis' EVA Netmodeler QualiWare's Product Suite...19 Salamander's MooD...21 Software AG's ARIS Sparx Systems' Enterprise Architect...24 Sybase's PowerDesigner...25 Troux Technologies' Platform and Suite of Applications...27 Recommended Reading...28 List of Figures Figure 1. Capability Assessment of alfabet's planningit... 5 Figure 2. Capability Assessment of Atoll's SAMU...7 Figure 3. Capability Assessment of Avolution's Abacus... 8 Figure 4. Capability Assessment of BiZZdesign's Architect Figure 5. Capability Assessment of Casewise's Corporate Modeler Figure 6. Capability Assessment of Future Tech's Envision VIP...12 Figure 7. Capability Assessment of IBM's Rational System Architect Figure 8. Capability Assessment of iteratec's iteraplan...15 Figure 9. Capability Assessment of Mega's Mega Suite...16 Figure 10. Capability Assessment of Metastorm's ProVision...17 Page 2 of 32 Gartner, Inc. G

3 Figure 11. Capability Assessment of Promis' EVA Netmodeler...18 Figure 12. Capability Assessment of QualiWare's Product Suite Figure 13. Capability Assessment of Salamander's MooD Figure 14. Capability Assessment of Software AG's ARIS...23 Figure 15. Capability Assessment of Sparx Systems' Enterprise Architect Figure 16. Capability Assessment of Sybase's PowerDesigner Figure 17. Capability Assessment of Troux Technologies' Platform and Suite of Applications Introduction The EA tool marketplace is a rich one. Many of the tools discussed in this research support enterprise architecture efforts well, and vendors have taken a multitude of approaches to accomplish this. It is important to understand the vendors' approaches, the methods that the vendors have followed for developing their tools, and how the vendors met capabilities as defined by Gartner and as demonstrated through use cases. Gartner speaks with many clients who want to better understand the EA tool market and how they might select the best tool for their organizations. This research is intended to give them an overview of key functionalities, taking a use-case approach (see Note 1) based on the eight capabilities as defined by Gartner. Chief architects, IT leaders and CIOs can benefit from this research. Potential buyers of EA tools should resolve the issue of "best of breed" versus "best fit" for the organization. In many larger organizations, one of these tools may well be in use in an area other than EA. As an example, some EA tools have their origins in business process modeling (BPM), and they may already be in place for that purpose. There are many reasons for this political and technical as well as the associated costs of training and integration. Thus, a "good enough" solution of an integrated tool suite may be more acceptable than theoretically the best product. Methodology In 2010, Gartner sought to identify how EA tools would be used by enterprise architecture teams, IT in general, and key stakeholders in both the business and IT. Rather than focus on the underlying technologies, Gartner focused on identifying the capabilities required to meet the functional demands of these users (see "Market Drives Gartner to Redefine the Enterprise Architecture Tool Marketplace"). As a result, the following capabilities were identified: 1. metamodel Decision analysis Gartner, Inc. G Page 3 of 32

4 Frameworks and standards 8. Gartner developed five use cases, typical in many organizations, to demonstrate one or more of these eight critical capabilities. Historically, use cases have been a successful technique for demonstrating software capabilities and functionalities for business users. 1 In this research and in many client organizations today, this approach is applicable for tools to be deployed in the enterprise. The approach lends itself to a more practical and structured method for tool selection and avoids the tendency of tools being selected expressly based on the technology alone. Demonstration of Use Cases We asked vendors to demonstrate the capabilities of their tools against five use cases in the manner they believed highlighted the strengths of their products. These use cases covered the following areas (see Note 2 for more information): 1. Impact analysis and stakeholder presentation 2. Risk and compliance 3. Link to the business (enterprise) context 4. Frameworks and standards 5. EA deliverables Each use case included the following: Description of the use case to be demonstrated The audience for whom this use case would apply Comments on what we would expect the vendor to refer to as part of the presentation Identification of which capabilities were being considered for each use case The use cases were intentionally formed at a high level to give vendors flexibility in applying their products to the underlying influences. Also, by not overly influencing the vendor approach, highlevel use cases enable Gartner to observe how the vendors interpret the EA tool market. Each vendor included in this research was given two hours to demonstrate the use cases. The first use case was demonstrated in one hour and was completed as part of "Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Architecture Tools," which was published in October This use case, given in two parts, was the largest and most intensive. The second through fifth use cases were demonstrated during a subsequent demonstration of one hour, also in October Page 4 of 32 Gartner, Inc. G

5 See Note 3 for caveats about the assumptions and limitations of this research. The Kiviat diagrams (that is, spider charts) used throughout this research do not conform to an absolute scale. Each Kiviat diagram is used to rate the relative strengths of the eight capabilities only for the specific tool it describes. Therefore, readers of this research must exercise caution when comparing one tool against another and should avoid directly comparing individual capability ratings across tools. Capability Assessments alfabet's planningit The planningit tool from alfabet ( is designed for integrated IT planning. It includes functional breadth beyond traditional EA, supporting a continuum of IT planning and control functions, and includes processes that are critical to the CIO. Figure 1. Capability Assessment of alfabet's planningit Decision Alfabet's planningit provides a well-rounded solution as reflected in Figure 1. Its strengths can be seen in the areas of the repository/metamodel and decision analysis, as compared with other capabilities. The product is based on a rich out-of-the-box metamodel that functions as a firm foundation for the product, based on alfabet's view of and experience with best practices. As a consequence, some portions of this metamodel are fixed and cannot be modified. However, several components, such as classes, attributes and relationships, are configurable. The metamodel Gartner, Inc. G Page 5 of 32

6 continues to be enhanced regularly, based on new best-practice information, and these metamodel upgrades are done without impacting any implemented configuration or customization. The product supports the four viewpoints of EA (business, information, technology and solutions). of the tool is complex but well-managed. It also facilitates security as well as backup and restoration activities effectively. The approach of a strong out-of the-box repository enables the integrity of the metamodel to be maintained effectively and prevents corruption. A best-practice approach enables the metamodel to be updated periodically, but it also limits the organization wishing to fully customize its repository in all aspects. The strong linking with projects provides visibility to the efforts required as a result of changes in the organization. As an example, the impact analysis and risk and compliance use cases demonstrated the ability to view the underlying projects required to implement regulatory compliance. Future-state architecture realization progress can be monitored by providing alerts for unapproved design elements in projects. These alerts automate the EA assurance process. planningit provides integrated and extended functionality for IT planning and control functions for organizations seeking these requirements. Atoll Technologies' SAMU The SAMU product from Atoll Technologies ( focuses on a repository solution that may be tailored by the user as required. This is primarily a technical focus, and combined with the bundling of EA with ITIL and service-oriented architecture (SOA), it may be considered a good fit for enterprises looking for this type of a solution (see Figure 2). Page 6 of 32 Gartner, Inc. G

7 Figure 2. Capability Assessment of Atoll's SAMU Decision Atoll's SAMU product is comparatively new to this marketplace and has a customizable metamodel that is technically focused and supports a technical approach to EA. The product provides capabilities to map to a CMDB, monitoring tools and other databases for the purpose of synchronization. The four viewpoints of EA are supported, but modeling capabilities for any specific viewpoint are limited. The technical focus of SAMU works well with ITIL and SOA. This approach requires that a project be started to understand the impact of change. As a result, information to support strategic decision making as a result of change in one of the architecture viewpoints is accomplished by the setup of a project. Organizations focusing particularly on a technical approach toward EA, and focusing on SOA and ITIL, should consider SAMU. Gartner, Inc. G Page 7 of 32

8 Avolution's Abacus Avolution ( takes a unique XML-based approach to the tool market, giving it a flexibility that most of the other vendors struggle to provide. Avolution's Abacus product has been developed to address the EA marketplace solely. As a relatively new entrant to this space, it does not have the baggage and potential restrictions of older tools that have grown into this space and that originated as modeling tools (see Figure 3). Figure 3. Capability Assessment of Avolution's Abacus Decision Avolution's Abacus product is currently unique among all the vendors by being completely XMLbased, even at the repository level, and it has been developed solely to address the EA marketplace. As evidenced by the Kiviat diagram, this approach has produced a particularly flexible repository, user interface and metamodel. The tool also provides the capability to integrate with other tools, such as CA ERwin, multiple CMDBs, Service Desk software (BMC Remedy) and HP OpenView. Out of the box, Abacus supports multiple frameworks and standards for example, TOGAF, FEAF, MODAF and ArchiMate. Leveraging its academic roots, it has a particular focus on enhanced metrics-based analysis, including total cost of ownership (TCO), return on investment (ROI) and net present value (NPV). It also focuses on more-technical metrics, including business and technology resource utilization, end-to-end response times, and critical business transaction availabilities. Page 8 of 32 Gartner, Inc. G

9 Due to the flexibility inherent in Abacus, it is completely configurable at all levels. This flexibility also means that, for some of the supported frameworks and standards, the out-of-the-box presentation and administration capabilities are inherently less robust, due to the need for configuration at these levels, as well as the immaturity of the standards and frameworks themselves. The focus on metrics-based analysis also supports strong financial analysis for future-state architectures at the capital expense and operating expense levels. Although there is a lack of focus on project and portfolio management, quantitative analysis for levels of effort, projects and technology road maps is accomplished by configuring supplied metrics. Organizations requiring this extensive level of configurability and support for multiple frameworks and standards should consider Abacus. Organizations considering a strong requirement for understanding TCO, ROI, NPV and various technical metrics should also consider this option. BiZZdesign's Architect The user base of BiZZdesign ( is predominantly in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, with strong academic links in that region. In particular, Architect is one of the tools that support the ArchiMate modeling language, which is now part of the standards supported by The Open Group, having originated from the Telematica Instituut in the Netherlands where BiZZdesign is also based (see Figure 4). Gartner, Inc. G Page 9 of 32

10 Figure 4. Capability Assessment of BiZZdesign's Architect Decision BiZZdesign's Architect is based on the ArchiMate modeling language. The repository can be initially an XML file and mature into a relational database management system (RDBMS SQL Server or Oracle) solution as user requirements grow. Customization of the metamodel is accomplished through the scripting language. As a result, the modeling capabilities depend on the structure of the metamodel itself. Architect can be utilized effectively for collaboration with the use of personal work spaces and the check-in and check-out capabilities. Additional EA frameworks are supported through the use of ArchiMate. Customization of the metamodel is accomplished through the scripting language. Therefore, knowledge and expertise of the scripting language are important for organizations considering implementation. BiZZdesign Architect may be a suitable choice for organizations using ArchiMate as a modeling language standard. Page 10 of 32 Gartner, Inc. G

11 Casewise's Corporate Modeler Although it has benefits across a wide range of vertical industries, Casewise ( offers focused frameworks and models for several industries, including telecommunications, utilities, healthcare and pharmaceuticals. This will suit organizations wanting to leverage these capabilities to kick-start their work. Figure 5. Capability Assessment of Casewise's Corporate Modeler Decision As shown in Figure 5, Casewise's Corporate Modeler provides a well-rounded solution. It contains a rich, out-of-the-box metamodel, with a number of modifiable objects (properties, associations and so on). It also supports custom-defined objects through a drag-and-drop interface. Because Corporate Modeler has its origins in modeling, it supports diverse methods, including both Visio- and Web-based approaches to modeling. This enables strong collaboration for modeling. The tool also has a strong link to the enterprise context, and it supports the four viewpoints of EA. It uses the enterprise context as the basis for defining many of the EA deliverables. Gartner, Inc. G Page 11 of 32

12 The focus on modeling enables Corporate Modeler to be used in organizations where modeling is a strong focus and collaboration is required. Given Corporate Modeler's focused frameworks and models for several industries, including telecommunications, government, utilities, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, organizations seeking to leverage these frameworks to kick-start their work may find Corporate Modeler to be a good candidate for selection. Future Tech's Envision VIP Future Tech Systems ( is a small, independently owned U.S.-based organization, with a tool providing a strong repository and associated modeling capabilities. Figure 6. Capability Assessment of Future Tech's Envision VIP Decision As reflected in Figure 6, Future Tech's Envision VIP offers a rich repository solution in which metamodel configuration and administration are accomplished in a flexible and straightforward manner. Repository classes, models, palettes, objects, relationships, attributes, reports and Web output are all configurable. This configuration extends to an unlimited number of viewpoints (via configurable "subview" attribute capabilities). Security is strong and can be used to control object- or attribute-level access. Page 12 of 32 Gartner, Inc. G

13 Future Tech's Envision VIP enables strong information sharing and collaboration across complex organizations through its unlimited viewpoint capability. Its extensive configuration capability is powerful, but it requires time, effort and knowledge to configure according to the requirements of the organization. Decision analysis, modeling and presentation capabilities are somewhat weaker in relation to its other capabilities. Organizations requiring a fully configurable repository as a priority, with strong collaboration requirements, should consider Envision. IBM's Rational System Architect The Rational System Architect product suite ( productline) pioneered EA when it was developed by Popkin Software. The product has established a substantial presence and reputation in this market. Overall, System Architect is a robust, featurerich product with a lot of potential to be configured to meet user requirements. Figure 7. Capability Assessment of IBM's Rational System Architect Decision Gartner, Inc. G Page 13 of 32

14 The diagram for IBM System Architect (see Figure 7) illustrates a strong offering in most of the dayto-day capabilities required by most organizations. It has a robust and mature repository solution and can be configured to meet the requirements of many types of organizations. It provides equally strong modeling capabilities, such as BPM, and supports drill-down capabilities from models to objects. System Architect integrates with portfolio management, asset management and other tools, particularly those from the IBM software range. It offers the concept of workspaces and sophisticated role-based user access. IBM System Architect has many strong aspects that deserve consideration. The configurable repository and the strong modeling and drill-down capabilities are suitable for many types of organizations. Collaboration is accomplished through the use of work spaces, which enable many architecture "states." The integration with portfolio management, asset management and tools from the IBM software range presents a well-rounded solution. Gartner has discussed the configurability of System Architect with existing users who have pointed out weaknesses in the ease of configuration; in earlier releases, it has been time-consuming and difficult to accomplish. IBM has a wide user base and is aware of this critique. In 2009, IBM introduced a graphical user interface to streamline configuration. IBM has assured Gartner that it is doing the following: 1. Attempting to migrate its user base to new versions as rapidly as possible 2. Continuing to make improvements regarding the ease of configuration Organizations that require a long-standing and robust solution for a fully configurable metamodel and strong modeling capabilities should consider IBM System Architect. iteratec's iteraplan The sole open-source vendor in this evaluation is iteratec ( It is new to the market and is still developing. The future will depend on users' ability to determine future direction and functionalities (see Figure 8). Page 14 of 32 Gartner, Inc. G

15 Figure 8. Capability Assessment of iteratec's iteraplan Decision Iteratec's iteraplan is a Web-based, open-source solution and contains a fixed metamodel with basic modeling capabilities. It has strong reporting capabilities that are enabled by filters and complemented by full-text searching. Iteratec also offers an enterprise edition, which includes consulting and maintenance but is still a low-cost option. The fixed metamodel enables some strong reporting capabilities and prevents corruption of the repository itself. It is also straightforward and easy to use. Iteraplan is application-focused and is therefore somewhat limited in its ability to analyze the information architecture viewpoint separate from the application in which the information resides. Organizations wishing to see how an EA tool might support them or organizations just starting an EA effort should consider iteraplan as a low-cost option. Gartner, Inc. G Page 15 of 32

16 Mega's Mega Suite Mega ( has a clear identification and understanding of stakeholder expectations within its customers, particularly in the area of EA management, providing value to areas outside the typical EA team. Figure 9. Capability Assessment of Mega's Mega Suite Decision As reflected in Figure 9, Mega Suite is a comprehensive, well-rounded suite of products that enable an integrated, feature-rich EA tool. Mega Suite offers a rich, out-of-the-box metamodel that is highly configurable and supports all of the EA viewpoints. Mega Suite has strong modeling capabilities and is capable of exchanging information with a number of other modeling, design and development tools, as well as exporting to a number of integration middleware suites. Mega Suite has a highly usable, clean, straightforward and intuitive user interface. It has strong decision analysis and presentation capabilities. There are predefined reports and dashboards that support these capabilities. In addition to supporting a number of EA frameworks, Mega Suite supports several compliance frameworks, such as COBIT, U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley and ISO Mega Suite also supports the enhanced Telecom Operations Map (etom) and ITIL frameworks. Security is well-organized and is easily configurable through the use of four user levels (beginning, intermediate, advanced and expert). Page 16 of 32 Gartner, Inc. G

17 Mega Suite's capabilities are extensive in EA and in other capabilities, such as BPM and governance, risk and compliance (GRC). Mega Suite's support of business architecture includes business capability maps, heat maps, capability alignment assessment reports and dashboards. Mega Suite is also strong in its alignment with project and portfolio management capabilities and EA assurance. Mega Suite borders on being considered an enterprise repository solution. Organizations requiring a strong, well-rounded solution in the major EA capabilities as defined by Gartner and one that extends into BPM and GRC capabilities should consider Mega Suite. Metastorm's ProVision ProVision from Metastorm ( has a long-standing reputation for ease of use relative to some others in this market. Organizations desiring large deployments with average users should consider the importance of usability (see Figure 10). Figure 10. Capability Assessment of Metastorm's ProVision Decision With its roots in BPM, Metastorm's ProVision product is strong in modeling and its repository, as evidenced in the Kiviat diagram. It offers a good, solid out-of-the-box repository solution. It is Gartner, Inc. G Page 17 of 32

18 configurable by renaming and repurposing existing objects or adding new objects. Other configurable items include links, models, frameworks and views. It supports multiple EA frameworks and has strong dashboard capabilities that are accomplished at the role level. ProVision has a strong focus on project and portfolio analysis. Therefore, it sees EA in this space. It focuses on separating business architecture from the other architecture viewpoints and uses this as a driver as opposed to the enterprise context. Projects are required to be set up to view the impact of a business change on the future-state architecture. This enables somewhat limited strategic decision-making capabilities if a project is not set up. Organizations that are focusing their EA efforts around business architecture and/or BPM and are focused on aligning portfolio management with EA should consider Metastorm ProVision. Promis' EVA Netmodeler Promis ( is a small developing company with limited global reach. Customers outside these areas should determine the support and engagement needed for its tool. Figure 11. Capability Assessment of Promis' EVA Netmodeler Decision Page 18 of 32 Gartner, Inc. G

19 As evidenced in Figure 11, Promis' EVA Netmodeler is a well-rounded solution, focused on modeling and a flexible repository. The metamodel is fully customizable through a Web interface, graphic modeler or XML import. EVA Netmodeler supports frameworks and standards, such as TOGAF and ArchiMate, as well as Promis' own EA framework. EVA Netmodeler's strong focus on modeling provides significant presentation capabilities and deliverables, which can be represented as models, reports, matrices, documents, portals and websites. Decision analysis capabilities are somewhat weaker in comparison with other capabilities. Organizations requiring a flexible repository, a focus on modeling and support for the ArchiMate standard should consider EVA Netmodeler. QualiWare's Product Suite QualiWare ( has developed strong collaborative elements within its tool. Organizations and countries where this is culturally important may wish to consider QualiWare as one of the vendors to review. Gartner, Inc. G Page 19 of 32

20 Figure 12. Capability Assessment of QualiWare's Product Suite Decision As evidenced in Figure 12, QualiWare's product suite provides a well-rounded product, with a rich out-of-the-box set of standard metamodels. Each metamodel represents one of the four EA viewpoints. These metamodels can be combined in a manner specific to the organization and thereby produce a "super" metamodel. QualiWare's product suite supports collaboration capabilities and is focused on enabling employees within the organization to participate to enable change. Support for frameworks and standards is strong. Frameworks can be graphically and dynamically changed without impacting the metamodel, as all data is carried forward when the change occurs. Handling the impact of change analysis and strategic decision making can be accomplished in several ways. The user interface enables visibility of changes as modifications to models are made, and reports can be generated. In addition, setting up a project or creating a private work space facilitates analysis and scenario planning. QualiWare's product suite has a strong link to the enterprise context, which an organization can choose to use or not. Page 20 of 32 Gartner, Inc. G

21 Organizations requiring a well-rounded solution focusing on strong collaboration should consider QualiWare's product suite. Salamander's MooD Although Salamander ( has customers across a range of industries, it has considerable focus on EA support in "critical and national infrastructure," which includes the military, intelligence and system integration communities, and it has demonstrated considerable success with this constituency. It also has a team dedicated to the natural resources sector. For these reasons, Salamander is an attractive choice in these industries. The solutions provided to these industries are, however, generally applicable, and so, Gartner recommends that potential customers outside these areas consider whether its MooD product could support their business needs. Figure 13. Capability Assessment of Salamander's MooD Decision As reflected in Figure 13, Salamander's MooD product has strength in all the capabilities of EA tools. The repository is not only configurable but also functionally rich, using a multilayered concept approach that enables the incorporation of a performance architecture with all of the supporting metrics. Gartner, Inc. G Page 21 of 32

22 MooD also has its own modeling engine, which can be used to fully take advantage of the repository capabilities. Variants are used to enable the creation of multiple alternative architecture states and performance architecture metrics, such as cost, risk, schedule and performance metrics. Altogether, this information can be used in decision analysis. The presentation layer is available as hard copy and soft copy and offers read-only and update capabilities via Web pages, as well as via importing and exporting to other presentation applications. Salamander's MooD product has distanced itself from the terminology of EA and even further from a focus on technical architecture being practiced as EA. Its focus has been on resolving business issues and producing positive business outcomes. Salamander's approach reflects Gartner's definition of mature EA as producing business value and business outcomes. Organizations that need EA to act as a strong contributor to business outcomes should consider the Salamander MooD product. Software AG's ARIS Architecture of Integrated Information Systems (ARIS) from Software AG ( is well-known for its long-standing leadership in the business process analysis (BPA) and BPM market, and for its rich modeling and analysis capabilities. This makes it well-suited for organizations that want to use the same tool for EA and BPA and BPM (see Figure 14). Page 22 of 32 Gartner, Inc. G

23 Figure 14. Capability Assessment of Software AG's ARIS Decision Software AG's ARIS platform has its roots in BPA and BPM and, therefore, has very strong modeling and analysis capabilities. The rich out-of-the-box metamodel is based on best practices, and there are options to configure it, define templates and assign filters. As a result of this approach toward best practices, some aspects of the metamodel are fixed and, therefore, not configurable. Reporting and graphics are excellent, and all EA viewpoints are supported. It also supports multiple EA frameworks. The product can use many different methods of analysis, such as structural, impact, gap, redundancy, quantitative and qualitative analyses. It supports scenario planning through its key performance indicator (KPI)-oriented simulation and analysis of change impacts. The ARIS platform can exchange information with a range of products, including development tools and integration middleware. It also has the ability to exchange information with SAP's Solution Manager and SAP's Enterprise Services Repository, and it is the recommended BPM tool for both SAP and Oracle ERP systems. The merger of IDS Scheer and Software AG has delivered a tightly integrated solution between ARIS and webmethods. The ARIS platform is a very well-rounded and robust solution, with some unique functionalities. It is one of the very few solutions that can exchange information with SAP's Solution Manager and Enterprise Services Repository. Gartner, Inc. G Page 23 of 32

24 Because the repository is an out-of-the-box solution and based on best practices, it is not fully configurable. However, this approach reduces the problems of the integrity of the metamodel being corrupted. Software AG provides a number of software bundles for the ARIS platform, and potential clients need to assess their actual requirements and map these to the appropriate bundles. Software AG's ARIS platform is a strong candidate for organizations using SAP or Oracle because of its ability to exchange information with SAP Solution Manager and Enterprise Services Repository. It may also be in place for BPM. Organizations should consider its applicability in the EA space as well. Because of software bundling, there may be functionality in another bundle that is required for the organization's approach to EA. Potential buyers should understand the contents of all bundles to address their unique requirements. Sparx Systems' Enterprise Architect Sparx Systems ( has a unique offering, as a vendor that provides a lowcost "shareware" model for immediate downloading (see Figure 15). Figure 15. Capability Assessment of Sparx Systems' Enterprise Architect Decision Page 24 of 32 Gartner, Inc. G

25 Sparx Systems' Enterprise Architect product has good repository and UML modeling capabilities. It supports the Zachman Framework, TOGAF, FEAF, MODAF and custom EA frameworks, and it supports ArchiMate as a modeling language. It has a strong linkage to solution architecture, and requirements management functionality is built in. It also has strong project management capabilities, and this information is available for any of the elements. It uses a business capability modeling approach for its anchor model. can be in the form of hard copy, soft copy or HTML Web pages. Enterprise Architect is a low-cost shareware model (download and run), with good functionality across all capabilities. Its focus on solution architecture may provide functionality such as requirements management, which is not necessarily needed for EA efforts. Organizations looking for a low-cost option with good solid functionality focusing on solution architecture should consider Enterprise Architect. Sybase's PowerDesigner In addition to competing in the EA tool market, PowerDesigner from Sybase ( participates in several modeling markets, including database design, in which it has a 35% market share. This will appeal to organizations that want to use a single integrated modeling and metadata management solution as one of their core EA strategies particularly those with a strong focus on information architecture in depth. Gartner, Inc. G Page 25 of 32

26 Figure 16. Capability Assessment of Sybase's PowerDesigner Decision Sybase's PowerDesigner product is exceptionally rich in supporting information architecture. This is reflected in Figure 16 in its support of frameworks and standards and the repository/metamodel. PowerDesigner's metamodel can be configured or extended, based on user requirements. It integrates with other tools, such as ERwin and most other major UML and BPM tools. It has functionality that allows the linking of information to business processes and of technology to solutions by use of its "Link & Sync" technology. Sybase PowerDesigner supports all four EA viewpoints but is exceptionally strong in its support and depth in information architecture. capabilities can be increased when PowerDesigner is used in coordination with other EA tools. Organizations that need a single integrated solution for metadata management, along with a focus on information architecture, should consider PowerDesigner as an option. Page 26 of 32 Gartner, Inc. G

27 Troux Technologies' Platform and Suite of Applications Troux Technologies ( has a clear identification and understanding of stakeholder expectations within its customers, and uses this in its marketing and deployment approach as well as within the tool itself (see Figure 17). Figure 17. Capability Assessment of Troux Technologies' Platform and Suite of Applications Decision The Troux platform and suite of applications address a myriad of challenges for EA initiatives and operates in a fully integrated manner. Troux's product offering is modular and extensible and supports large global organizations requiring multiple deployment options and integration capabilities. In addition, it provides extensive support for application portfolio management, standards management and federal investment planning, although these were not covered in the use cases we selected for reviewing the product's functionality. Troux Semantics is an out-of-the-box metamodel and supports all viewpoints of EA. Troux also provides other capabilities in the form of products that enable the collection of artifacts automatically. Gartner, Inc. G Page 27 of 32

28 Troux's product suite goes both deep and broad in its approach by addressing a wide range of challenges for those organizations doing EA initiatives. Because it is extensive, it may appear somewhat complex or difficult to comprehend, although interfaces can be simplified with configuration. Organizations requiring a multifaceted and comprehensive approach toward their EA initiatives, or requiring this level of functionality, should consider the Troux platform. Recommended Reading "Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Architecture Tools" "The Hitchhiker's Guide to EA Tools, Part 1" "The Hitchhiker's Guide to EA Tools, Part 2" Evidence 1 Ivar Hjalmar Jacobson (born in 1939) is a Swedish computer scientist. He is known as a major contributor to UML, Objectory, RUP and aspect-oriented software development. From 1967 to 1987, while at Ericsson, he invented use cases as a way to specify functional software requirements. See "Use Cases for Future States" and "Using Use-Case Methodology for System Requirements Earlier in the SDLC." Note 1 The Use-Case Approach This approach specifies tests that are conducted from the end-user perspective. Use cases tend to focus on operating software as end users would conduct their day-to-day activities (see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/use_case for a definition of use case). Note 2 EA Tool Use Cases The five use cases Gartner developed to demonstrate EA tool critical capabilities are described in Table 1. Page 28 of 32 Gartner, Inc. G

29 Table 1. Five Use Cases Description Audience Comments Capabilities Considered Impact and Stakeholder Part 1 Prepare a series of presentations for three major stakeholder groups, which articulates the road maps for all viewpoints across a federated organization Part 2 Show how the impact of changes to the current-state architecture (at least two viewpoints) will impact the future state and the road maps IT managers and other IT stakeholders Board of directors and senior business management Business leaders across the federated organization Include link to the business strategy and costs Identify technical differences and the planning required to resolve those differences Identify the impact of changes in the business and information architectures metamodel Decision analysis Configuration Include projects in progress, planned projects, application and infrastructure retirement, and changes to business and information architectures Risk and Compliance Demonstrate how a new product introduces a new regulatory requirement with an impact on the current-state architecture (all four viewpoints) and multiple future states IT and business management Include the cost and effort to accommodate a new regulatory requirement or to mitigate the risk metamodel Decision analysis Link to the Business (Enterprise) Context Configure the four EA viewpoints, and show the Enterprise architects IT management Articulate the processes that need to be put in place to initiate and metamodel Configuration Gartner, Inc. G Page 29 of 32

30 Description Audience Comments Capabilities Considered linkage to the business context (strategy and external factors) Business management maintain this configuration Configure the tool to support multiple frameworks across the four viewpoints for multiple users with different access rights Enterprise architects IT management Application developer Include any interfaces to other tools Provide different views according to access rights metamodel Configuration Frameworks and standards Infrastructure technologist Provide support for a minimum of two frameworks EA Deliverables Provide examples of the following EA deliverables: Business environmental trends N/A N/A N/A Technology trends Business strategies Project portfolio requirements Business change requirements Information change requirements Technology change requirements Solution change requirements Business architecture principles and standards Information architecture principles and standards Technical architecture principles and standards Page 30 of 32 Gartner, Inc. G

31 Description Audience Comments Capabilities Considered (including technical patterns and service models) Solution architecture principles and standards Business capability models (anchor models) Note 3 Caveats Assumptions and Limitations Readers should be aware of certain considerations in the reading of this research: This research does not describe the full capabilities of each tool. The use-case demonstrations by the vendors were the only source considered for this research. The use cases used for this research are not exhaustive. They represent the most common EA needs as seen by Gartner. Readers may need to augment these use cases to capture the full requirements of their organizations. The Kiviat diagrams (that is, spider charts) used throughout this research do not conform to an absolute scale. Each Kiviat diagram is used to rate the relative strengths of the eight capabilities only for the specific tool it describes. This means that a "strong" rating for one tool is a relative assessment against the other capabilities for that specific tool. It does not mean that a "strong" rating for a capability in one tool is necessarily better than a "medium" rating for that capability in a different tool. Therefore, readers of this research must exercise caution when comparing one tool against another and should avoid directly comparing individual capability ratings across tools. These capability ratings reflect the demonstrations given by the vendors only at a single point in time. This point-in-time research was completed in October Vendors frequently update their tools' capabilities, so readers considering a potential investment should gather updated information of the tool prior to making a purchasing decision. The Magic Quadrant refers to vendor placement in the marketplace, while this research refers to the ability of the product to satisfy use cases. These capabilities were included as part of the "Ability to Execute" section of "Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Architecture Tools." As we mentioned previously, the first use case impact analysis and stakeholder presentation was demonstrated as part of the 2010 Magic Quadrant. The scores for that use case have been reviewed and are included in this research. This is part of a set of related research. See the following for an overview: Enterprise Architecture Tools Are Positioned to Deliver Business Value Gartner, Inc. G Page 31 of 32

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