EA Framework Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

EA Framework Paper - Essay Example These needs depend on the complexity of the organizations operations and the amount of data traffic that they experience. The frameworks have different components, which make up their basic operations. These components include, the views, the methods and the training involved. The two most common frameworks employed are, The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) and the Zachman Institute for Framework Architecture (ZIFA). In this paper, the discussion will focus on TOGAF. The Open Group Architecture Framework The TOGAF is a framework that is commonly used in organizations that are developing the enterprise architecture for their internal use. This framework provides an approach to planning, designing and implementation of the enterprise architecture that is very holistic. The TOGAF is a trademark registered by the Open Group in the United States of America and in other countries of the world as well (Bernard, 2005). Its basic structure is based on the notions of modularization an d standardization. The methodologies and technologies used in its design are ones that have been existing and been duly tested and proven. The framework is comprised of three main components that make up its structure. The first one is the Architecture Development Method. This component is used to determine the type of enterprise architecture that will be implemented in the organization. It derives this based on the operations of that organization. The second component is the TOGAF Enterprise Continuum. This component illustrates how the different architecture is developed from their foundation and through all the different models according to their functions. The third component is the TOGAF resource base; this provides the tools necessary for the application of TOGAF. The resource base provides the techniques based on the requirements of the business or on the type of the business (Ross, 2006). The Architecture Development Method forms the core of TOGAF and it has been specificall y designed to tackle the organizations business needs and information systems needs, as well. The TOGAF, as all other frameworks has its strengths and weaknesses. Its strengths appeal to the users and make it a better choice compared to the others. It has weaknesses in other areas but with the continuing development, these weaknesses are looking to be eliminated or reduced to a minimum. One of the strengths of TOGAF is that it performs the process of designing the systems in blocks. This is easy because, when development takes place in block or modules it makes it easier to manage errors, because it is easy to locate them. The development of these blocks can also take place simultaneously, making it time efficient. Development using modules also improves re usability because; common modules can be reused in familiar systems. The framework also provides information on how these blocks interact and fit together. This makes it easier for all the entities involved to understand the syst em, and how it works. Another strength is that, the TOGAF develops a common vocabulary that is used in all that stages of development of the framework (Ross, 2006). The use of a common vocabulary makes the process of designing easier for all the parties involved and it improves communication. The framework al