Latest & Greatest of Sparx Enterprise Architect 16
Sparx Systems – released a new version of their application, Enterprise Architect Version 16 Â has undergone significant changes, plenty of enhancements, and an array of new features is made available to the users which will fulfill their expectations.
Here’s a gist of the new features that will entice users to upgrade their Enterprise Architect to the newest edition.
1. Enterprise Architect 64-Bit
Sparx Enterprise Architect has been considerably modified and is now available in two versions: A new 64-bit version and a legacy 32-bit version. Many improvements are included in the new 64-bit version which allows you to work with significantly larger data sets, reports, files, and repositories. A simple, fast, and scalable solution that can handle even the most complex task.
The Key Benefits are
- Leverage 64-bit OS features and capabilities.
- Access larger amounts of memory.
- Process data more effectively compared to 32-bit.
- Support larger report generation tasks.
- Support larger XMI import/export operations.
- Larger diagrams can be exported and saved.
- Larger simulations can be built and run.
- Build and search large Code Miner databases.
2. Support for New Standard File Based Repositories
As a scalable modeling platform, Enterprise Architect provides a range of development options to accommodate a variety of modern enterprises. In consideration of the same, Sparx Systems has extended its support for new standard file-based repositories which are built on SQLite database engine in the latest version of Enterprise Architect.
Enterprise Architect Project (QEA Files) – The basic personal file-based version
Enterprise Architect Shared Project (QEAX Files) – Support shared files with small workgroups
The key benefits of these repository types are
- Out-of-box EA repository.
- Lightweight & Serverless.
- Basic replication is supported for offline development.
Easy migration of existing EAP/EAPX files to QEA/QEAX files which will be compatible with the 64-bit version of Enterprise Architect. To continue using existing EAP/EAPX files, use the 32-bit version of Enterprise Architect.
3. Grid Style Diagram
Enterprise Architect has always supported modelers to customize Element’s appearance and position in diagrams. With the New Grid Style Diagram option, you can build a Spreadsheet, Dashboard, and home page for your model. In Enterprise Architect 16, the Grid functionality integrates with a New Scripting API to reference elements by the provided grid position.
Categorize diagram into cells:
- Holds element in each grid cell.
- Configurable in rows, columns, and cell size.
- Manages medium to a large set of information.
- Row and Column headers refer to the grid position.
- Element position can be referred to by grid position.
- Automatically updates and process elements in the grid using Scriptlet.
4. Collaboration – Team-Based Approach to Modeling
Enterprise Architect provides a suite of new and expanded Collaboration tools to support a rich, cooperative team-based approach to modeling. Collaborate tools have been restructured into the following new windows
- ‘Chat & Mail’: Chat, Mail, Diary, Recent.
- ‘Discuss & Review’: Journal, Discuss, Review.
- ‘Discuss & Review History’: Journals, Discussions, Reviews.
In Enterprise Architect 16, using the Collaborative tools the users can
- Chat in real-time.
- Share small files and images through Chat, Journals, and Discussion.
Save discussions by recording them
- Provide and manage Review feedback.
- Record ad-hoc ideas in an Element Journal daily.
To know more about the collaboration features in the Sparx Systems Architecture Platform tool suite, please visit https://prolaborate.sparxsystems.com/ or contact us to book a live customized demo.
5. Simplified way of connecting to DBMS repositories
Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect 16 introduces a New “Native Connection” method to both 32-bit and 64-bit versions in addition to the existing connection methods that require separate ODBC or OLEDB drivers to be installed. It is the simplest and recommended way to establish connections with existing and new repositories. Native Connection does not require the need for installation of drivers for individual DBMS and DSN definitions. Enter the details of the database in the Native Connection window and connect Enterprise Architect to it.
6. Scriptlet
The New Scriptlet element is a JavaScript-based powerhouse that allows you to access the underlying diagram and element API. Scriptlets run whenever the diagram containing them is loaded/reloaded before the diagram is displayed or they can run manually on demand. Insert the Scriptlet on any diagram and edit the JavaScript as required. Multiple Scriptlets can be used on a single diagram and the same Scriptlet can be used on multiple diagrams. If a diagram has many Scriptlets, the Z-order of the Scriptlets on the diagram determines the order in which they are executed.
- Change the appearance of elements, names, and tagged values.
- Updates to dynamic properties can be automated.
- Create your spreadsheets with the new Grid Style diagrams and Scriptlets.
- Update the Grid style diagrams using new cell references (A:1, A:2, etc.,) API.
- Dynamically colour code elements based on your rules.
- Validate model elements in a diagram.
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7. Custom Documents
Custom Documents feature is enhanced in the latest Enterprise Architect 16 to provide an even more attractive solution for creating highly customizable reports. Mix and match your graphics, logos, regulations, and text with content sections developed dynamically from the model. Start with a provided template, your base document, or a blank page, and then drag and drop content from the Project Browser where it is needed.
- Ability to choose and use a template when creating a new document.
- More information on how to set up the sections
- Improved content list, which now includes the element and template for each dynamic section.
- Numerous improvements and usability improvements have been made
- Custom Document elements can now be created via Diagram Toolbox
For any assistance in regards to customizing documentation templates in your model, please contact us or email us @ info@sparxsystems.in
8. Support for New Modeling Language – FACE Profile
Using Enterprise Architect 16, the FACE Profile for UAF 1.0 allows users to model the Open Group’s Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE) data architecture and components. It allows FACE components to be represented in the context of broader UAF system architectures to identify interactions between FACE and other architecture components. FACE Profile is available in the Unified and Ultimate Editions of Enterprise Architect and a separate UPDM license is required for other editions to avail it.
9. Native XEA file exchange format
Native XEA file is a new fast and convenient alternative to the XMI and XML formats for large data sharing. The XEA format makes model archiving and the export and import of Enterprise Architect repositories easier. A Native XEA file exported by Enterprise Architect version 16.0 or later cannot be imported by the earlier versions of Enterprise Architect.
Please contact us or write an email to info@sparxsystems.in to have a live demo about the new EA 16 features and capabilities.