Why I Like the Zachman Framework Architecture

by Ronald G. Ross

The true measure of an idea’s elegance lies in its simplicity.  By this test, the Zachman Framework Architecture is a masterpiece.  Curiously, each proponent seems to conceive his own particular set of reasons for liking it.  Not to detract from others, here are mine.  They read like a litany for IRM.

• Because architecture is important.  Significant investment in constructing anything of substantial complexity or duration is made most wisely following a prior blueprint.  We know this to be true for skyscrapers, microchips, space shuttles, and home remodeling; the Framework supports it for information systems.
  
  
• Because perspective is important.  “Perspective” is a term sometimes used for a row in the Framework.  Clearly, the perspective relevant to the user is not the same as the perspective relevant to the designer, which is not the same as the perspective relevant to the builder, etc.  This is a simple insight, but sterling nonetheless.
  
  
• Because communication is important.  The columns of the Framework mandate the questions:  what, how, where, who, when, and why.  This guidance is both clear and complete.  Perspectives (as above), plus what questions to ask, equals matrix for communication.
  
  
• Because data is important.  Putting the question “what” (data) on an equal footing with “how” (process) runs counter to those basic habits of the industry that IRM professionals constantly battle.  The Framework stands out for that simple, yet courageous act.
  
  
• Because integration is important.  The essence of integration is unifying facts.  This is as true for systems of methodologies (meta-systems) as it is for systems of regular business information.  Think of the Framework as a comprehensive guide to unification (integration) of meta-facts.  This is subtle -- but elegance usually is.
  
  
• Because innovation is important.  The Framework is not complete, especially the three new columns.  But it permits us to grasp where completeness lies, and how to judge when we’ve achieved it.  For me, this methodological bootstrapping is a final stroke of brilliance.

standard citation for this article: Ronald G. Ross, "Why I Like the Zachman Framework Architecture," Data Base Newsletter, Vol. 19, No. 4, (Jul./Aug. 1991), URL:  http://www.BRCommunity.com/a1991/a217b.html.

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Ronald G. Ross is recognized internationally as the "father of business rules." He has Chaired the annual Business Rules Forum since 1997. He was a charter member of the Business Rules Group in the 1980s, and an editor of two landmark BRG papers, The Business Motivation Model and the Business Rules Manifesto. He is active in standards development, with core involvement in SBVR.

Mr. Ross is Executive Editor of BRCommunity.com and its flagship publication, Business Rules Journal. He is author of eight professional books, including Business Rule Concepts (2009), a just released 3rd edition of his popular, easy-to-read 1998 handbook. Mr. Ross speaks frequently at industry events worldwide.

Mr. Ross is Co-Founder and Principal of Business Rule Solutions, LLC and is actively engaged in consulting, training and research. He co-developed RuleSpeak®. Mr. Ross gives highly regarded public seminars in North America through AttainingEdge and in Europe through IRM-UK.

For additional information about Mr. Ross, please visit his personal website at www.RonRoss.info.