More organizations than ever have adopted some sort of enterprise architecture framework, which provides important rules and structure that connect technology and the business. When these frameworks are fine-tuned for an organization’s specific needs, they can improve technological consistency and more easily facilitate the integration of new technologies, processes, and systems like agile computing and AI.
Typically, an enterprise architecture framework includes a set of architectural patterns that guide the design and implementation of solutions, along with tools and techniques for managing the enterprise architecture.
Choose the right framework
There are plenty of differences among the dozens of EA frameworks available. The frameworks can be classified into the following buckets:
- Industry-standard frameworks like TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) and the Zachman Framework for Enterprise Architecture
- Defense- and government-developed frameworks like the Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework (FEAF), the DoD Architectural Framework (DoDAF), and the Ministry of Defence Architectural Framework (MODAF)
- Industry- or domain-specific frameworks like ACORD for the insurance industry, the Banking Industry Architecture Network (BIAN) for the banking industry, and MIMOSA for manufacturing
- Open source frameworks, including TOGAF (it’s the industry standard and spans two categories) and the Lean Architecture Framework (LAF)
- Proprietary frameworks that can be developed from scratch, but often include some features and functions of existing EA frameworks
It’s important to note that no EA framework will ever be a 100% fit for any organization. The key is getting as close as possible to a good match for the organization’s operational model, degree of agility, technological complexity, strategic objectives, and culture.
For example, one of the largest energy companies in the world has embraced TOGAF — to a point. The company’s enterprise architecture team has replaced some of the framework’s governance features with those more appropriate to its practices and increased the framework’s flexibility to fit the company’s task execution model. The results of this company’s enterprise architecture journey are detailed in IDC PeerScape: Practices for Enterprise Architecture Frameworks (September 2024).
Mold the framework to your needs
Remember that caveat: No EA framework is a perfect match for an organization’s needs. In addition to standardizing on a framework that gets as close as possible, some enterprises choose to adopt additional tools to model business processes, highlight possible improvements, and improve project planning and execution.
The IDC Enterprise Architecture Tool Buying Guide (December 2023) describes two types of tools enterprises use to improve the usability of an EA framework: enterprise transformation tools and modeling tools.
Enterprise transformation tools like OrbusInfinity, Planview, or LeanIX typically provide functions like decision analysis, presentation, modeling, and collaboration to support EA frameworks. Many of these tools also include customizable dashboards that can show key performance indicators, strategic alignment, risk assessments, and progress on initiatives.
Other organizations choose to integrate modeling tools that work well with their chosen framework, like ArchiMate or UML. These modeling languages force architects to be precise about designs and consider how they will fit into the broader organization.
Get the right people involved
The term “executive buy-in” may be tired and overused, but it’s appropriate here. One of the most effective approaches is creating a high-level architecture review board, ideally populated by the organization’s head of enterprise architecture, CIO, and line-of-business leaders. These boards act as a valuable series of checks and balances and can result in better decision-making. An architecture review board can also streamline the review process, which can reduce overall project time.
Change with the times
Businesses aren’t static and technology continues to move forward, so EA frameworks can’t remain the same over time. As organizations change the way they do business, adopt new technologies and ways of working, and even embrace initiatives like sustainability, the EA framework must keep up.
To ensure that the framework keeps pace, leaders should first strive to build as much flexibility into the framework as possible. In addition, it’s important to stay on top of possible business strategy and other changes that might require framework adjustments.
Adopting an enterprise architecture framework today is a smart move; without one, it’s much more difficult to make good decisions, manage risk, embrace digital transformation, and demonstrate how technology decisions align with business goals. Finding the right framework is the first decision, but it must be followed up with effective administration, governance, and maintenance.
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Karen D. Schwartz is an adjunct research advisor with IDC’s IT Executive Programs (IEP), focusing on IT business, digital business, disaster recovery, and data management. She has extensive experience both as a researcher and a business and technology journalist, covering a broad range of issues and topics. She often writes about cybersecurity, disaster recovery, storage, unified communications, and wireless technology. Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA.
