How to Get Started
Some standard templates can jump-start your thinking about enterprise architecture. But don't expect them to provide all the answers. "Frameworks are the filing cabinet you put the architecture documents into," says Bruce Robertson, vice president of enterprise planning and architectures for research company Meta.
· One of the most popular - and free - frameworks is the Open Group Architecture Framework (Togaf). www.opengroup.org/architecture/togaf · Though developed specifically for US government agencies, the Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework (FEAF) has relevance for private companies too. www.feapmo.gov
· John Zachman, considered to be "the father of enterprise architecture", offers up a version of his framework for free. www.zifa.com/framework.html
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