Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect Reviews

In terms of product features, I'm very happy with the support for UML 2 diagrams, Archimate, TOGAF and the collaboration capability using a RDBMS back-end. Because EA supports multiple models, the whole architecture team can collaborate using the same tool and develop our models from requirements to deployment on a shared repository.

The user interface could be more intuitive and support for a Mac, iOS or at least a browser version would be very welcomed.

I've been using Sparx EA for the last four years.

No - Caveat: I did not take part of the deployment but I am also not aware of any significant challenges.

Yes. I've had some issues when using a NFS backed but it was on an older version of the product.

Availability - No, but I should caveat that I've only experienced working with teams of up to 10 colleagues.

Never had the need to contact them directly.

Never had the need to contact them directly.

I've used MS Visio before but the tools are not really comparable.

Straightforward - Caveat: I did not take part of the deployment but I am also not aware of any significant challenges

In both cases, the deployment and implementation was done by internal IT.

It's hard to calculate ROI on a product that is used within a function that is a cost center but it's fairly easy to acknowledge that EA has paid itsef many times over in terms of hours saved for the team.

The setup consists of a team license hosted on a network share and a RDBMS back-end. EA is installed locally on the desktops of the users.

It's a very decent product, but if all you are required to do is produce "box diagrams" then Sparx EA will be overkill.

• Use cases
• Requirements
• Test cases
• UML diagrams as sequence, class and others

Was able to create full specifications (BRD, FRD, Tech design documents), utilizing SPARX application.

Product is very visual, but not intuitive.

1.5 years.

We didn't deploy, as we didn't have connection to database environment for security reasons.

No issues encountered.

No issues encountered.

10 out of 10. Emails were answered and phone calls as well.

Didn't use much, only twice and it was very good.

I used Visio. No comparison, SPARX much better.

Easy, because it was local. Network setup more difficult and costly.

In house. Vendor not needed, which simplified our life.

Prices are very affordable.

Rational Doors from IBM. Their product much more expensive and less agile.

It takes time to learn diagram language, if you're not used to it. After a couple of weeks it becomes second nature.

We use Enterprise Architect for application inventory and rationalization.

The modeling tool is targeted toward a sophisticated user.

I have been using Enterprise Architect for a year.

Enterprise Architect is stable.

Sparx technical support is good. 

The tool fits best within the IT realm vs Business. I would advise against using the tool when deployed within a collaborative environment with business users.