Archi: The Open Source ArchiMate Modeling Tool
Archi is a robust and widely used tool for Enterprise Architects and modelers to create, analyze, and visualize enterprise architecture models using the ArchiMate modeling language. It allows users to:
- Model enterprise architecture: Create diagrams and models that describe the structure and operation of business processes, organizational structures, information flows, IT systems, and technical infrastructure.
- Support ArchiMate language: Fully supports the latest versions of the ArchiMate specification (e.g., ArchiMate 3.2), including all elements, relationships, and viewpoints defined in the language.
- Provide different viewpoints: Enables the creation of various “views” of the architecture, tailored to different stakeholders and their specific concerns (e.g., business process view, application integration view, technology infrastructure view).
- Visualize relationships: Offers features like the “Visualiser” to graphically display connections between model elements, helping to understand dependencies and impacts.
- Aid in analysis: By providing a structured and unambiguous representation of the enterprise, ArchiMate models created with Archi assist in assessing the impact of design choices and changes.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Sketching capabilities: Includes a “Sketch View” for brainstorming and quickly designing “soft” models before formalizing them into ArchiMate views.
Archi is free and open-source software. This means there are no direct enterprise license costs for using the tool itself. Its source code is publicly accessible, allowing organizations to review, modify, and verify it to meet their specific needs. While the tool is free, organizations might incur costs related to:
- Training: For their architects and modelers to effectively use Archi and the ArchiMate language.
- Support: If they require dedicated support beyond the community forums.
- Integration: If they need to integrate Archi with other enterprise systems or tools, which might require custom development.
How it is implemented:
Archi is implemented as a desktop application built on the Eclipse Rich Client Platform using Java.
- Download and Installation: Users typically download the executable file (for Windows) or a compressed archive (for macOS/Linux) from the official Archi website and install it on their local machines. A portable version is also available for Windows.
- Model Storage: Archi models are typically stored as files on the user’s local machine or a shared network drive. For collaborative environments, organizations often implement practices like:
- Shared repositories: Storing models in a shared repository (e.g., version control systems like Git, or shared network folders) to facilitate collaboration and versioning.
- Documentation and naming conventions: Establishing clear guidelines for naming components and relationships to ensure consistency and reusability across different models.
- Collaboration tools: While Archi itself is a single-user desktop application, teams often use external collaboration platforms (e.g., Confluence, SharePoint) to share documentation, links, and discussions related to the ArchiMate models.