IBM Rational System Architect Reviews

Vendor: IBM

3.7 out of 5

5 reviews
83% willing to recommend

1,166 followers

What is IBM Rational System Architect?

IBM Rational System Architect is an enterprise architecture solution for visualizing, analyzing, and communicating enterprise architecture and business process analysis. This solution provides decision support, process optimization, and integration into solution delivery. Rational System Architect addresses all aspects of your organization's enterprise architecture, including modeling, publishing, analysis, and execution.

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IBM Rational System Architect is the #19 ranked solution in top Enterprise Architecture Management solutions. PeerSpot users give IBM Rational System Architect an average rating of 7.4 out of 10. IBM Rational System Architect is most commonly compared to Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect: IBM Rational System Architect vs Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect. IBM Rational System Architect is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 73% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a manufacturing company, accounting for 17% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Enterprise Architecture Management

June 2025

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Featured IBM Rational System Architect reviews

Guy Meyongo

IT/Business Architect at a financial services firm with 51-200 employees

In terms of what could be improved, we did not take the whole package with all the modules, and I think that the integration with other platforms like Office could be better. The reverse engineering of the database is already there, but in the next release I would like to see some pilot supplied with the solution in order to address any database.

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Guy Meyongo

IT/Business Architect at a financial services firm with 51-200 employees

I didn't use the solution for very long, so it's hard to go too in-depth with what the solution may have been lacking. In the commercial approach, a lot of implication is on the technical. I wasn't really well supported when I was using it, which made it difficult. The integration with all other modules could be a bit better. If you want make it a universal solution, you have to add some items, and find the modules you need. That's not too helpful for clients. They need to have a package that can satisfy clients fully on every project. The solution needs to better integrate with other products, like Microsoft.

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it_user951237

Enterprise Architecture Specialist at a energy/utilities company with 10,001+ employees

I find that almost every feature related to the models requires improvement. For example, I would like to see more trendy models, the look and feel of the models can be improved. This solution can be more user-friendly and easier to use, with better dashboards. The impact analysis feature is in need of heavy improvement. The is a standalone product that lacks integration with a business process automation engine. I would like to see the workflow improved, where it integrates seamlessly with the artifacts.

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IBM Rational System Architect mindshare

As of June 2025, the mindshare of IBM Rational System Architect in the Enterprise Architecture Management category stands at 1.8%, down from 2.3% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Enterprise Architecture Management

Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

IBM Rational System Architect supports diverse meta-frameworks like Zachman and Togaf 9, offering substantial customization of the meta-model. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and powerful modeling capabilities. The platform excels in application portfolio scoring models and versatile plugin features for creating complex models. Its report publishing module is particularly impressive. Additionally, IBM Rational System Architect's stability and extensive metamodel customization are highly valued by its users.

"There are a lot of features I find valuable, but I think that the metamodel customization is one of the best features that the solution offers."
"The solution is pretty stable."
"We have seen ROI with this solution over the years that we have used it."

Room for Improvement

IBM Rational System Architect requires enhancements in user interface navigation, deployment guidance, and model development, especially incorporating artificial intelligence capabilities. Model features and impact analysis need updating, and integration with business process engines is lacking. Improved workflows, seamless integration with Microsoft, and better support and packaging options are necessary. Users report challenges with the integration of modules and reverse engineering of databases, calling for more comprehensive, user-friendly features and support for diverse project needs.

"The reverse engineering of the database is already there, but in the next release I would like to see some pilot supplied with the solution in order to address any database."
"The solution needs to better integrate with other products, like Microsoft."
"This solution can be more user-friendly and easier to use, with better dashboards."

Popular Use Cases

Companies primarily utilize IBM Rational System Architect for modeling purposes and building enterprise architecture models. It is commonly adopted in contexts where organizations need to manage a plethora of information and models during implementations, particularly within sectors such as banking. The platform aids in handling documents related to the organization and functionality of enterprises. Its on-premises deployment model is valued for maintaining organization and backing up essential enterprise data.

Service and Support

Customer service is considered more than adequate. Technical support is praised for being highly rated and helpful. Some have concerns due to the transition from IBM to UNICOM, which introduced complexities like lack of free upgrades and absence of a dedicated team. Previously, support was stronger under Passport Advantage but changes have prompted some to reconsider platform options.

Deployment

IBM Rational System Architect's initial setup is straightforward and typically requires minimal effort. Deployment often takes a few days but can be as quick as thirty minutes. Teams usually consist of three to five people for deployment and one to two for maintenance. Environments without shared clients simplify the process, with standalone installations deployed at each location. Users find the setup to be relatively easy and manageable.

Scalability

IBM Rational System Architect is scalable in modeling. It functions well in terms of expanding usage when creating models, which can be accessed by multiple users. However, some mention limitations with integration concerning process automation, which affects expanded deployment demands. Teams planning to increase stakeholders might need additional licenses, which some may find unsatisfactory. Hence, groups are considering alternatives despite its capabilities in supporting existing team sizes and functions.

Stability

Users express positive sentiments regarding IBM Rational System Architect's stability. They encounter no issues and regard it as very stable. A consensus highlights that even when encountering crashes, it quickly recovers and functions properly. While stable, there is a mention that more features could enhance usage. Generally, users are satisfied with performance and reliability, viewing it as dependable under various conditions. A shared experience underscores an absence of instability or persistent technical setbacks.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

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