Today’s most commonly used frameworks are:-

1)      The Zachman Framework

2)      TOGAF (The Open Group Architectural Framework)

There are a few other EA frameworks of note developed by individual companies or communities probably most notably the FEAF (Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework).

The Zachman Framework is a classification structure which can be used to align communication and ensure you consider all of the important perspectives and dimensions of an enterprise. Link to Zachman International

TOGAF is a more complete framework consisting of both a classification structure and progress guidelines aimed at asking the right questions and creating an enterprise architecture.  Link to TOGAF

Understanding the frameworks is a good step forward towards using EA. However they should be considered as tools; and their use practiced in order to achieve the desired result.

A common mistake of business developing architecture is to attempt to implement EA or an EA practice using only the frameworks. Following TOGAF to the letter typically results in an enormous amount of unnecessary analysis taking place. Where as Zachman’s framework leads you to perform the analysis with little guidance as to how to apply it to realise outcomes.

Totem has many years experience of organisations using EA frameworks successfully, and unsuccessfully allowing you to benefit from understanding what works, and perhaps more importantly what doesn’t.