Gartner's Critical Capabilities for Enterprise Architecture Tools

[Sunshine]

Got sent this link where Gartner evaluates Critical Capabilities for Enterprise Architecture Tools, amongst the list is Sparx Enterprise Architect.
https://www.gartner.com/doc/reprints?id=1-5WICQR7&ct=181205&st=sb

Having used a number of the other tools in the past its not clear to me why certain tools score higher than Sparx Enterprise Architect in some categories. Unfortunately they seem to have scored Sparx EA the lowest. What do others think? A fair score or biased for some unknown reason?

I guess you should read the small print before taking advice from Gartner

_{Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.}

[qwerty]

I only know ARIS (except for EA). I think that it's well being rated higher for what it does in an enterprise environment. But it definitely looks like comparing apples and pears. Likely the focus of the research is not UML modeling capability but enterprise communication/analysis.

q.

[matthew.james]

I have used several of these products, and I'd agree that it is an apples / pears comparison.  As a straight modelling tool Sparx would be for higher up the list (and many of the listed tools would not appear).  As an EA tool, many of the other products focus on 'out of the box' management level reporting and dashboards designed to support executive decision making (albeit with various levels of 'real' substance behind them).

More importantly however Gartner opinions are based on two things:
- Input from their clients, which are typically larger enterprises (who can afford Gartner) and who are typically more attracted to the higher priced tools (they must be better cause they cost more ...)
- Information from the vendors, and some vendors 'participate' more than others

[Glassboy]

Having used a number of the other tools in the past its not clear to me why certain tools score higher than Sparx Enterprise Architect in some categories. Unfortunately they seem to have scored Sparx EA the lowest. What do others think? A fair score or biased for some unknown reason?

I think the issue is "Enterprise Architecture".  I doubt there is anything that resembles a standard EA practice, and chances are it will have disappeared in a decades time.

[qwerty]

a standard EA practice

Guess you mean "Enterprise Architecture" and not "Sparx EA"?

q.

[Glassboy]

a standard EA practice

Guess you mean "Enterprise Architecture" and not "Sparx EA"?

Yes but both are probably true.