EA maturity models
There are several models that exist for assessing Enterprise Architecture (EA) maturity. The most commonly referenced models include the US Government's Department of Commerce Architecture Capability Maturity Model (ACMM), Gartner's ITScore for EA, and Forrester's EA Maturity model. These models generally define maturity levels from initial to optimized and provide attributes for measurement. The ACMM and Gartner models are very similar, using 6 or 5 maturity levels respectively and focusing on attributes like architecture process, business linkage, and governance. Forrester's model takes a different approach using archetypes but is considered too lightweight. The US GAO also provides a free, open framework for assessing EA management maturity across 7 levels.
EA maturity models
- 1. Enterprise Architecture(EA) Maturity Models
- 2. What EA Maturity Models exist?There is no standard model for EA MaturityTOGAF refers to US Doc ACMM As of July 2011, I found the following EA Maturity Models in the following categories: -This presentations focuses on these models
- 3. Common Traits for all EA Maturity ModelsMost are modelled on the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)The model has a number of levels(from 4-7) of maturityEach level has an attribute or characteristic that can be rated based on the maturity of the activities performed by the EA functionSome models make recommendations in what are the areas of improvementSome provide tools to help assess your maturity
- 4. US Government - Doc US ACMMOpenDownloadable for free, recommended by TOGAFLevelsSix – None, Initial, Developing, Defined, Managed and Optimizing Attributes: -Uses 9 characteristicsArchitecture ProcessArchitecture DevelopmentBusiness LinkageSenior Management InvolvementOperating Unit ParticipationArchitecture CommunicationIT SecurityGovernanceIT Investment and Acquisition StrategyProvides a means to do the measurement by not a tool as such. However enterprise-architecture.com provides a tool to assist in assessment called Eavaluator.Comment : Very good, easy to follow
- 5. ITScore for Enterprise Architecture MeasurementClosed Only for Gartner clientsLevelsInitial, Developing, Defined, Managed and Optimizing Attributes: -Stakeholder support and communication, team resources, EA development method, process integration, deliverables, disclosure and compliance, metrics, and stakeholder perceptions Provides a toolITScoreDiagnostic Tool is used to evaluate your EA maturityComment : Very good, easy to follow
- 6. Forrester EA MaturityMeasurementClosed Only for Forrester clientsLevels1,2,3,4,5Attributes: -Uses Archetype-Based ApproachOrientation ( Business or Technology )Focus ( Project or Strategy )Provides a toolComment: A different take but too lightweight Has an Excel Spreadsheet to ask questions that will feed into an assessment
- 7. US Government General Accounting Office - A Framework for Assessing and Improving Enterprise Architecture ManagementOpenDownloadable for freeLevelsSeven– Create EA awareness, Establish Commitment and Direction, Create a management foundation, Develop initial EA Versions, Using EA for targeted results, Use EA for transformation and Continuous ImprovementAttributes: -Uses 4 success criteriaDemonstrates CommitmentProvides Capability to Meet CommitmentDemonstrates Satisfaction of CommitmentVerifies Satisfaction of CommitmentNo Tool availableVery detailed and thorough, possibly too heavy
- 8. The Levels of MaturityComparing Maturity Levels of the 4 different types of models – Gartner's and ACMM very similar
- 9. The Attributes of MaturityComparing Attributes of the 4 different types of models – Gartner's and ACMM very similar, however Gartner has simplified the model