The Zachman Framework is an enterprise architecture framework conceived by John Zachman in 1987. It provides a standardized structure for describing an enterprise's systems architecture using six perspectives (scope, business model, system model, technology model, detailed representations, and functioning system) and six interrogatives (what, how, where, who, when, why). Each cell in the framework represents a unique model. The framework helps define and organize the complex relationships between and among models of an enterprise.

1. Zachman Framework 1
Running head: Zachman Framework
Zachman Framework
Carol A. Harstad
Strayer University

2. Zachman Framework 2
Zachman Framework
IBM’s John Zachman originally conceived and presented the framework as the Information
Systems Architecture Framework in 1987. Later called the Zachman Framework, it is a two
dimensional structure (or schema) describing an enterprises information architecture. The first
dimension is the roles (or perspectives) involved in information systems design. The perspectives
are the scope, enterprise model, system model, technology model, detailed representations, and
the functioning enterprise. The second dimension represents the primitive interrogatives such as
data (what), function (how), network (where), people (who), time (when) and motivation (why).
Each cell within the framework represents a complete model. For example, within the
Technology Model perspective, under the “What” interrogative, we define the physical data
model. Additionally, there are rules required for the framework. The rules are:
1. The columns do not have to be in any particular order
2. Each column represents a simple generic model
3. Although interconnected, the basic model of each column must be unique
4. Each row defines a unique, distinct perspective
5. Each cell is unique and will not contain items from another cell
6. All cell models in each row constitute a complete model from the perspective of that
row
7. The logic is generic and recursive
The scope defines the purpose of the enterprise and its direction. A list of things is included
in the data interrogative, which is important to the enterprise. The function interrogative lists the
processes the enterprise carries out. We define a list of locations where the enterprise operates
under the network interrogative. We list the organizational units under the people interrogative.

3. Zachman Framework 3
The time interrogative will define the list of business events and cycles and the list of business
goals and strategies are listed under the motivation interrogative.
The business or enterprise model defines the nature of the business including function,
structure, organization, and more. This perspective will define models such as the business
process model, the entity relationship diagram, the organization chart, the business plan, the
logistics network, and the business master schedule.
The system model defines the business in more meticulous information terms. This
perspective will consist of a fully normalized data model, the distributed system architecture, the
data flow diagram and the application architecture, the human interface architecture, the business
rule model and the dependency diagram.
The technology model describes how to address the information processing needs by using
technology. For example, you may make the choice on whether to use relational or network
databases, which programming languages to use, and description of the user interfaces. Within
this perspective, you will define the structure chart, the data architecture, user interface, system
design, pseudo-code, system architecture, business rule design, security design, and the “control
flow” diagram.
The detailed representation is a view of the networks, database specifications, program
listings and more that make up a particular system. The models that are defined in this
perspective consist of the network architecture, data and physical storage design, screens and
security architecture, detailed program design, timing definitions, and program logic for rule
specifications.
The functioning enterprise (or system) is the perspective where you implement the system
and make it a part of an organization. The models included in this perspective are the

4. Zachman Framework 4
communications facilities, converted data, trained people, executable programs, business event’s
and rule enforcement.

5. Zachman Framework 5
References
The Zachman Framework: A Concise Definition. (2008). In Zachman International: enterprise
architecture. Retrieved 16:00, January 21, 2009, from
http://www.zachmaninternational.com/index.php/home-article/13
The Zachman Framework: An Introduction. (1997, June 1). In The Data Administration
Newsletter. Retrieved 18:30, January 20, 2009, from http://www.tdan.com/view-
articles/4140/
Zachman, J. A. (1987). A framework for information systems architecture. IBM Systems Journal,
26(3), 276-292. Retrieved 18:15, January 21, 2009, from
http://www.research.ibm.com/journal/sj/263/ibmsj2603E.pdf
Zachman framework. (2009, January 19). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21:40,
January 20, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?
title=Zachman_framework&oldid=267343979