Zachman vs TOGAF Comparision

Enterprise Architecture Framework Goals
The Zachman Framework is based on the idea that the same complex thing can be described for different purposes in a different way with different types of descriptions. The main goal of Zachman framework is to enable different persons to observe the same thing from various perspectives.

The main goal of the Open Group with TOGAF is to create an industry standard. They are trying to develop a tool and repository for experience-based, practical information on how to act when it comes to the enterprise architecture processes. Also, it provides a specific technique with particular sets of architectural assets, strategies and deliverables can be integrated.

Closer Comparison of the Zachman Framework and TOGAF
TOGAF is one of the enterprise architecture software tools which provide a far-reaching approach to the planning, design, implementation and use of enterprise architecture. It has 4 domains:

• Business - specifies the business strategy, administration, organization and important business processes in the company.
• Technology - presents the software, hardware and IT infrastructure required for the setup of core applications.
• Data - presents the structure of the physical and logical data resources and related information management.
• Application - defines the model and interactions for the application frameworks to be setup to the core company's processes.

TOGAF also includes a set of tools in order to enable enterprise architecture team to picture the present and future state of the architecture. This includes:

- a list of recommended standards
- a method used for defining information as building blocks
- information on how these building blocks can fit together
- a common vocabulary

The Zachman Framework, on the other hand, is very generic and applies only to enterprises.

The Zachman Framework is a simple logical structure for organizing and classifying items developed in enterprise architecture. It uses classification methods from engineering and architecture. There are 6 viewpoints in the 6 rows of the Zachman Framework:

1. Row - The Scope (Contextual) – directed to the planner
2. Row - The Business Model (Conceptual) – directed to the owner
3. Row - The System view point (Logical) – directed to the designer
4. Row - The Technology viewpoint (Physical) – directed to the builder
5. Row - The Detailed Representations viewpoint (Out of Context) – directed to the subcontractor
6. Row - The Functioning Enterprise viewpoint

The 6 questions which they have to answer are:

- The Data aspect – What?
- The Motivation aspect – Why?
- The Network aspect – Where?
- The Time aspect – When?
- The People aspect – Who?
- The Function aspect – How?

Basically, the Zachman framework is used for descriptive representations of any complex models and it does not describe any particular EA method, technique or tool.

source: EAComposer Article