Development of software tool support for enterprise architecture in small and medium-sized enterprises

Abstract

Throughout recent years a lot of research has been done to develop enterprise architecture (EA) approaches for large and complex enterprises. Consequently, an array of tools has been developed for these large enterprises to aid in EA management. However, traditional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are very important for economy, have to a great extent been neglected. Recently research has been done towards a new EA approach for SMEs. The approach is called CHOOSE. As tool support is almost indispensable in complex environments, the need for tool support was quickly experienced while doing case studies in SMEs. Unfortunately, tool support is already rated low on usability by EA practitioners in large companies. A different approach was required to provide tool support for managers in SMEs. The developed software tool already received positive feedback from managers. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.