Orbus

Flexible Tool for Enabling IS Strategic Management

Comments: This product has given us a mechanism to start discussing concepts of single source of truth across the IS ecosystem. It also is supporting our BPA and SPM initiatives.

Pros:

The underlying database, and the ability to customize attributes has become increasingly important. In fact, lately I've been leveraging this more than the diagramming. This feeds data into a collection of PowerBI dashboards that I can then use to communicate with senior management and other stakeholders.

Cons:

The original install was on premises and requires Windows to run (both for the client and the diagramming tool which is Visio), and requires VPN connection for offsite users. We will be switching to the i365 product which will solve much of this inconvenience.

iServer: The Versatile Modeling Tool for Business Architecture, Business Analysis and Knowledge Mgmt

Comments: While a centralized Business Analysis repository where all business analysis work products would be kept organization wide remains an elusive goal, iServer is a very useful knowledge management and business analysis repository for a unit that fully embraces it. Detailed diagrams of existing systems serve as a reference for incoming business analysts and high level diagrams orient executives on system capabilities and unit structure.

Pros:

The ability to trace objects to other objects and their source business rules or business drivers is a must for complex business analysis situations where multiple (hundreds) of requirements need to be traced and a spreadsheet approach becomes too cumbersome and time-consuming. The ease in showing these relationships and dependencies with the iServer 'spider' type diagrams helps explain these relationships to stakeholders who appreciate pictures to depict complex systems or problems. Seamless export to Microsoft Suite file formats when needed is a plus, as well as the read-only web based presentation of diagrams using the iServer Portal. Creating a diagram is simplified by the numerous templates that come with the product. Beyond the software itself, the iServer support team provides world-class service well worth the annual subscription. The iServer account manager assigned each client is a valuable asset and complement to the online training provided for both for the administrator and the user role, providing support to engage licensed users through biweekly user meetings.

Cons:

While I applaud the Microsoft look and feel of the product, the learning curve for an intermediate Visio user to understand the differences between modeling one-off and modeling with shared objects stored in a repository can be discouraging to those expecting a quick fix pill. There is no doubt that a shared repository of objects can undoubtedly benefit an organization, but getting there is more of an organizational and governance challenge than a technological one. For the technology solution, iServer is the tool with the greatest ease of use I have tried. The licensing model could be improved to one that allows use of all current modules to a defined use or user threshold. A modular approach can be limiting for a software that is as all-encompassing as iServer, if resource constraints are an obstacle to adding additional modules.

Alternatives Considered: MEGA and Blueprint

Reasons for Switching to Orbus: More reasonably priced than other alternatives considered, while providing the core functionality of a central repository for all objects (in a SQL server database) as well as the integration with MS Office Visio.

iServer used for Architecture and Business Process

Comments: We use iServer for distinct but related processes, our Enterprise Architecture repository including Solution Architecture and Business Process diagrams. These faciliate impact analysis by both BA's and Architects.

Pros:

The relationships make finding related processes, applications and people possible.

Cons:

The diagrams produced are simple in appearance with unattractive visio templates. These are fine for the architecture and business process audience but need polishing for leadership.

Fantastic product

Pros:

Very easy to use and adopt, compared to other products. Portal and BI Dashboards are easy to consume by non-technical audiences. Cost is also much less than others we have used/evaluated.

Cons:

We have identified none to date - very easy to use

Alternatives Considered: Enterprise Architect and Cameo Enterprise Architecture

Reasons for Choosing Orbus: Ease of use and ability to share output with non-technical audiences

Switched From: Cameo Enterprise Architecture

Reasons for Switching to Orbus: Ease of use, reporting, and cost

Enterprise architecture governance and modelling using inhouse tools and frameworks

Comments: The Orbus team are extremely knowledgeable and responsive. Publications, templates user guides, eLearning tutorials on the product have been extremely helpful. The consulting and support teams take the time to understand our challenges. Our IT teams do look to our internally branded enterprise archtecture knowledge repository (iServer Portal) for information of our supported systems and solutions.

Pros:

By using Visio as the modelling interface and the ability to generate excel, powerpoint and word documents allows our team the ability to create views for business and technical stakeholders from a central database of enterprise objects. This eliminates the extra effort of translating and improves visibility to various stakeholders at different stages of initiatives and projects. The easy to configure interface and use of data exchange and included apis allows our team to source and publish data to other systems, allowing for consistent and standardized communication.

Cons:

System performance when checking in and out diagrams using the iServer client. The performance issues have been addressed in the 2021 version which we have not implemented yet so we look forward to seeing the improved performance.