Actually, for a tool that is for UML, Enterprise Architect is pretty flexible and can be used for more than just Class Diagrams and such. It has BPMN diagrams, Data Models, Use Cases, Requirements and more.
Disclosure: the company I work for now has an agreement with Sparx for re-selling and training, but I myself have been working with it for a few months now, and I can honestly say I would recommend for BA work anyway. If you have any questions about EA, let me know.
Here is a great article on the Sparx software:
Enterprise Architect for Business Analysts
- Adrian
I am based in SA so I am not to sure if training is an option. I have spoken to a Sparx sales comp here but the training is a little expensive. Are there any other options that you can recommend?
Tank,
I think I mentioned before that SPARX is relatively inexpensive for the features it has. I use it for lots of things. Its a great tool for BPMN, Requirements etc. I have used the tools for about 4-5 years now, and its not bad.
You dont really need the formal training; they do have a few video files that you can download. You can also work through their sample/tutorial.
There are also other comapnies that use EA on their courses, Doug Rosenberg (ICONiX) spings to mind. go to http://www.iconixsw.com.
One of EAs strong points is its ability to create traceability from the vision to requirements, to usecase and class models etc.
Its a great tool. I also work as an Enterprise Architect and its a great tool for mapping the whole business (not just IT). It 'bloody' Flexible!
All the best.
warm regards,
K
I pretty much agree with 'K'. The one thing that the EA training also gives you is an introduction to UML itself. If you need training on UML to start with, then combining it with EA training could actually be more cost-effective than two separate courses. Also, Iconix has a book on developing systems using EA with their methodology. It starts after Requirements definition, but could still be some help.
And yes, South Africa is bit out or range for my company, based in North America, but stranger things have happened. In the meantime, keep coming back here if you have questions.
Dave
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