Enterprise Architecture Software Tool Support for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: EASE

In the current information society increased attention is being paid to enterprise architecture (EA) and accompanying techniques, models and frameworks. CHOOSE is an EA approach focused on and adapted to the characteristics and needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Though these techniques could offer significant benefits to SMEs, hardly any SME uses EA. The application and implementation of EA in general and the CHOOSE approach in particular, has proven to be a complex and challenging task. This paper describes the research-in-progress of the development of a software tool called EASE in support of the CHOOSE approach in order to maximize this disappointing rate of adoption. Furthermore, the software tool should guide the enterprise architect throughout the entire EA process and facilitate the implementation, management and maintenance of the resulting EA. A brief overview is given of the main features illustrating the added value of this research-in-progress. Finally, validation is achieved by means of multiple case studies.