The Zachman Framework is a two-dimensional enterprise architecture classification schema that provides a comprehensive, structured way to view and define an enterprise across multiple perspectives and abstractions. Developed by John Zachman in the 1980s, it creates a taxonomy for organizing architectural artifacts based on the intersection of different stakeholder viewpoints and fundamental interrogatives (what, how, where, who, when, and why).
The framework’s structure resembles a matrix with rows representing perspective levels (Contextual/Planner, Conceptual/Owner, Logical/Designer, Physical/Builder, Detailed/Implementer, and Functioning Enterprise) and columns representing interrogative focuses (Data/What, Function/How, Network/Where, People/Who, Time/When, and Motivation/Why). Each cell in this 6×6 matrix represents a unique architectural concern requiring specific models and documentation.
For technology executives, the Zachman Framework provides strategic value by creating a comprehensive classification system for architectural artifacts; ensuring completeness in architectural documentation by identifying potential gaps; providing differentiated views addressing specific stakeholder concerns; establishing relationships between architectural components across perspectives; and creating a common language for architectural communication across organizational boundaries.
Unlike methodological frameworks like TOGAF that prescribe processes for creating architecture, Zachman focuses on taxonomy—defining what should be documented rather than how the documentation should be developed. This ontological approach makes Zachman complementary to process-oriented frameworks, often being used in combination to address both classification and development methodology.
While the comprehensive nature of the full Zachman Framework (36 cells) can appear overwhelming, organizations typically implement subsets relevant to their specific needs rather than attempting complete coverage. The framework’s enduring contribution to enterprise architecture has been its fundamental insight that different stakeholders require different architectural representations of the same enterprise, and that these representations must remain integrated despite their varying abstractions and concerns.
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