We primarily use BiZZdesign to get a clear overview of our enterprise architecture, especially when dealing with multiple departments. It helps us centralize data, acting as our central source of truth. With BiZZdesign, we establish connections between different architectural elements, making it easy to gain insights. For example, we can assess resource usage in departments like HR and finance, understand application costs, and find interdependencies. We also align department capabilities with our overall architecture, from business to technology levels, occasionally diving into infrastructure details. This helps us make informed decisions and optimize our processes effectively.
Bizzdesign Horizzon
BizzdesignExternal reviews
External reviews are not included in the AWS star rating for the product.
User friendly tool for integration across Business Architecture
Review
Steep learning curve, but worth the effort
Nice Diagraming tool
Helps to get a clear overview of our enterprise architecture, especially when dealing with multiple departments
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of BiZZdesign HoriZZon, from my experience, include its out-of-the-box connectors, such as integration with ServiceNow, Excel, and SQL databases, making data repository management more efficient. It adheres to the ArchiMate 3.0 standard, enabling the creation of globally understandable enterprise-level architectures. Additionally, the HoriZZon dashboards are beneficial for higher management, offering quick access to key architectural insights, and they automatically handle dependencies, enhancing overall usability and capabilities.
What needs improvement?
One area where BiZZdesign HoriZZon could use some improvement is in its REST APIs. While the platform offers REST APIs, they have limitations when it comes to retrieving and exporting data. Obtaining detailed information at the individual application or component level, including IDs, costs, and deployment-related data, can be challenging through these APIs. This limitation makes it difficult to smoothly export such granular data. I have raised this issue with the BiZZdesign team, and they expressed interest in addressing it, but I'm not aware of the current status of this improvement effort. Nonetheless, improving the usability and flexibility of the REST APIs for data extraction is an area that could enhance the platform's capabilities.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using BiZZdesign HoriZZon for three and a half years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
BiZZdesign HoriZZon is a highly stable product and I have used it for an extended period without encountering significant issues. It stands favorably in comparison to other leading enterprise architecture tools in the market, making it a valuable and reliable choice.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a fairly scalable product. In our organization, the usage of BiZZdesign HoriZZon is divided into two main user categories. There are the "designers," who actively work with the tool, and their number is relatively small, ranging from around 15 to 20, with a maximum of 50 in certain cases. However, there are also "viewer" users, including architects, product owners, and managers, who need to access and review the architecture information. The number of viewer licenses is considerably higher, with nearly all architects and product owners having access. This distribution is influenced by licensing and cost considerations, with a focus on keeping the number of designer licenses lower.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support is excellent.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is quite simple but time-consuming.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It is on the expensive side.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We chose BiZZdesign HoriZZon over other options because it adheres to global standards, boasts a user-friendly interface, offers seamless connectivity with tools like ServiceNow and SQL databases, provides excellent visual features like Gantt charts, and excels in managing dependencies. These qualities were seen as significant advantages from a business standpoint, leading to our decision to go with HoriZZon.
What other advice do I have?
My advice to new users would be to start by clearly defining your objectives when using BiZZdesign HoriZZon. While it offers a range of capabilities, including business process modeling and VPN, it excels in enterprise architecture. If your main focus is enterprise architecture, HoriZZon is an excellent choice. However, if you need specialized tools for specific tasks, ensure they integrate well with HoriZZon. So, begin with a clear understanding of your goals, and if enterprise architecture is your primary need, HoriZZon is a standout option. I would rate BiZZdesign HoriZZon as an eight, possibly an eight-plus, on a scale of one to ten. The reason for not giving it a perfect ten is the need for stronger support for REST APIs, which is vital in today's IT landscape.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Process Modelling in Archimate and BPMN & Enterprise Architecture desinging in Bizzdesign
Does most of what I need
It's simple and easy to use
All in one Tool
Great tool for modelling architecture
Customer support is very responsive.
Documentation of the scripting language is very poor.