Introduction to Enterprise Architecture

What is Enterprise Architecture ?Enterprise architecture (EA) is a discipline for proactively and holistically leading enterprise responses to disruptive forces by identifying and analyzing the execution of change toward desired business vision and outcomes. – Gartner
Enterprise architecture (EA) is "a well-defined practice for conducting enterprise analysis, design, planning, and implementation, using a holistic approach at all times, for the successful development and execution of strategy. – Wikipedia

Current Enterprise Architecture Frameworks
TOGAF, Zachman, AGA, FEAF, DODAF.

TOGAF

The TOGAF framework has the Architecture Development Method an Iterative approach at its core. An architecture blueprint of the baseline and target architectures for Business, Data, Application, and Technology is created with the migration plan arriving at an Architecture Roadmap.

Zachman

The Zachman Framework has 6 perspectives (Planner, Owner, Designer, Builder, Subcontractor); the framework asks 6 basic questions (What, How, Where, Who, When, Why). This a simple but effective framework used by different industry sectors.

FEAF (Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework)
FEAF is based on 5 reference models Performance Reference Model (PRM), Business Reference Model (BRM), Service Component Reference Model (SRM), Data Reference Model (DRM), Technical Reference Model (TRM).

AGA (Australian Government Architecture)

AGA is based on FEAF (Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework), AGA consists of 5 inter-related reference models Performance, Business, Services, Data and Technology. AGA is mainly used in the Government Sector.

DODAF (Department of Defense Architecture Framework)

This Framework is specifically geared towards complex systems. DODAF includes a Design Process and Artifacts which cover viewpoints.

Which framework is best for Banking and Finance?
1. TOGAF
2. Zachman

TOGAF is heavily used in the Banking and Finance industry and is a good fit for the industry. The ADM iterative approach is appropriate for the complex operating environments of Banking and Finance.

The following is a matrix developed based on my research on the EA frameworks and industries that these are used in.

Industry/ EA Framework	TOGAF	Zachman	FEAF	AGA	DODAF
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
Mining	X
Utilities	X
Construction	X
Manufacturing	X
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade	X	X
Transportation and Warehousing	X	X
Information	X
Finance and Insurance	X	X
Real Estate Rental and Leasing	X
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services	X
Management of Companies and Enterprises	X
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
Educational Services	X
Health Care and Social Assistance	X	X
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation	X
Accommodation and Food Services	X
Other Services (except Public Administration)
Public Administration	X		X	X	X