No Magic MagicDraw vs Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect comparison

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5,077 views|2,816 comparisons
88% willing to recommend
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11,557 views|8,659 comparisons
87% willing to recommend
Comparison Buyer's Guide
Executive Summary
Updated on Mar 6, 2024

We compared Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect and No Magic MagicDraw based on our user's reviews in several parameters.

The key differences between Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect and No Magic MagicDraw lie in their strengths. Enterprise Architect is praised for its robust support for industry-standard modeling languages, advanced visualizations, and powerful customization capabilities. On the other hand, MagicDraw stands out for its comprehensive modeling capabilities, intuitive user interface, and efficient collaboration tools. While both have received positive feedback on customer service, pricing, and ROI, Enterprise Architect users have suggested improvements in user interface, collaboration features, and performance, whereas MagicDraw users have highlighted the need for a more intuitive interface and better performance.

Features: Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect's valuable features include a comprehensive modeling repository, seamless integration with development tools, support for modeling languages, advanced visualizations, powerful customization, and extensive documentation. No Magic MagicDraw excels in its comprehensive modeling capabilities, intuitive interface, efficient collaboration tools, and support for multiple modeling languages.

Pricing and ROI: The setup cost for Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect has been deemed reasonable and straightforward, with a flexible licensing process. On the other hand, users have found No Magic MagicDraw to be affordable with a hassle-free setup process and fair and flexible licensing terms., Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect offers substantial ROI based on user experiences, while No Magic MagicDraw receives positive feedback for its effective modeling capabilities, collaboration tools, ease of integration, and responsive customer support.

Room for Improvement: Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect needs improvements in user interface, collaboration features, performance, integration with other tools, and intuitive functionalities. No Magic MagicDraw needs enhancements in user interface, user-friendliness, performance, and loading times.

Deployment and customer support: The user reviews for Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect indicate that users may have spent separate timeframes on deployment, setup, and implementation. In contrast, the reviews for No Magic MagicDraw show more variation in the duration needed for these phases, with some users completing deployment in three months and others in one week. The setup phase for MagicDraw also varied from one week to an additional week after deployment., The customer service and support for Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is highly praised for its prompt, helpful assistance. Users have found the support team responsive, knowledgeable, and efficient. On the other hand, No Magic MagicDraw also receives high appreciation for its excellent assistance. Users commend the responsive, knowledgeable, and friendly support team. Both products offer prompt and thorough responses to queries and timely assistance. Overall, users express satisfaction with the level of help and guidance provided by both customer service teams.

The summary above is based on 16 interviews we conducted recently with Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect and No Magic MagicDraw users. To access the review's full transcripts, download our report.

To learn more, read our detailed No Magic MagicDraw vs. Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect Report (Updated: March 2024).
767,847 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Q&A Highlights
Question: What is the difference between NIEM plugin and Sparx?
Answer: Hi, You mentioned prices and I don't really know the difference between those two products. If you can, tell me what product has the reputation to be less expensive. I'm using MagicDraw with NIEM and I pay for the maintenance. NIEM is only usable on the LTD 18.0 version which is their long term version supposed to be more stable. NIEM plugin is in version 1.00. I also use the feature rich version 18.5 which is very stable, but with no NIEM. The next LTD version 19.0 is coming last quarter this year. I don't use the plugin very much. I use it for inspiring my own data models. In this way, I don't use it in a crucial situation. However, I like it very much. The technical support from MagicDraw is fantastic. They really care. If I have a problem on Friday afternoon, they will work late to solve it in order for me to work during the week-end, as my independent status often require. I don't have any experience with the NIEM plugin of Sparx. As far as I know, those two providers are really top notch. Thanks.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"The beauty of MagicDraw is that it has a simulation part, so you can simulate your model to validate it. The simulation allows you to bring in code off of an external code that you can write to set up the simulation and execute the code.""It is very user-friendly, and the customer service is really good.""The most valuable features are the visibility, standard compliance, and interface.""The most valuable feature is the amount of flexibility that one has to model, which is great for an individual.""The most valuable feature is the ability to quickly build multiple layers within the organizational and business process environments, as well as in the SysML product environments, and converting to files that can be accessed by clients who do not have a system and a teamwork server access.""I would rate MagicDraw a nine out of ten because of the price. Enterprise Architect has a lot of bugs and MagicDraw is a lot more accurate and flexible. It's a level better.""The technical support is very good.""No Magic has the tools and capability to model a complete enterprise and all product lines."

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"It is a useful tool for modeling and testing automated processes.""This is a useful tool for IT people who need to design their solution architecture.""There are a lot of features in Enterprise Architect. It allows us to take on a lot of tasks.""There are a couple of things. Price is one thing, but we also like the scriptability of it. We got into scripting it and automating tasks with it, and it is super duper easy to do and helpful. The API has improved over the years. We automate everything, and I love the automation aspects of it.""Ability to maintain cross-references for all models in all levels - great tractability.""Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is very flexible and it is simple to define the metamodel. Additionally, it is lightweight on resources.""The most valuable features are the flexibility and adaptability of Sparx Enterprise Architect.""We have found the stability to be very reliable."

More Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect Pros →

Cons
"It's very focused on specific modern languages and it doesn't do necessarily general systems software engineering with diagrams. They should expand the diagram types for the languages.""There could be a trial version for students.""The UI UX of the tool is not really user-friendly and needs to be completely reformed.""For the next releases, I would like to have them import requirements from other sources. They could make it very easy to do that because there are a lot requirements management tools like DOORS, D-O-O-R-S, Dynamic Object Oriented Management. A lot of folks use DOORS to create a requirement. For those requirements you allocate them to a component in the architecture and a verification method for that requirement. It would be good if we could import those into MagicDraw as components so you don't have to manually do these things.""The technical support is not very good.""There are some technical features that you have to study and do research on to be able to understand.""One potential area for improvement is the recommendation feature. At times, we face challenges in locating specific features, and we have to reach out for assistance in finding the information we need.""The cost of upgrading the product should be lower."

More No Magic MagicDraw Cons →

"Inconsistent UI elements must be tidied up with the toolbox gaps removed.""Even if there are web-based tools in the Enterprise Architecture tool ecosystem (like Prolaborate), the main modeling application is still a fat client application.""The UI could be improved and made a little bit more presentable.""The initial setup of the Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect It's very complicated. It's very difficult to start with the right templates because there are many possibilities. The deployment took approximately two days.""If you just want to create some diagrams with shapes and arrows, then use Visio.""The stability and performance of Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect could still be improved. Setup for it is also slightly complicated and could be improved.""The modeling tool is targeted toward a sophisticated user.""The reporting needs improvement."

More Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect Cons →

Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "In addition to the initial cost, you have to pay annually for support in order to get the upgrades."
  • "I would say licensing would be anywhere from $3,500 to $6,500 per person or per seat (it's a per seat style license)."
  • "The licensing is on a yearly basis, and it's expensive."
  • "The price of No Magic MagicDraw could improve. The price of the solution is too expensive for smaller-sized companies. There should be a better pricing model."
  • "I rate the pricing a ten out of ten. It is an expensive product compared to software for model-based system engineering."
  • More No Magic MagicDraw Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "The Corporate Edition, or one of the bundles, is the way to go."
  • "Use floating licenses strategically."
  • "The pricing for ultimate version is steeply high."
  • "Licenses are pretty low cost compared to, for example, ARIS."
  • "It’s the best deal in town, by far."
  • "Pricing and licensing is very attractive, simple, and straightforward."
  • "Pricing and licensing are suitable even for small companies."
  • "In terms of cost, Sparx EA is probably one of the cheapest tools I have ever used."
  • More Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Answers from the Community
    Anonymous User
    it_user582867 - PeerSpot reviewerit_user582867 (Engineer at a non-profit with 1,001-5,000 employees)
    Vendor

    Sorry, don’t know about NIEM differences, but there are related online materials: www.sparxsystems.com
    www.nomagic.com

    Glen

    it_user414087 - PeerSpot reviewerit_user414087 (Works)
    Real User

    I’m not sure about the question. Is it about the difference between No Magic and Sparx or about the Niem Plugin? Niem UML is an OMG standard and the two tool vendors have developed plugins for their tools to enable the Niem UML specification for the communities using it.

    From Sparx:

    National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) provides a common framework that is used to define how information can be shared between systems, government agencies and organizations. Enterprise Architect's MDG Technology for NIEM helps you to:

    * Create and develop UML-based Information Exchange Package Documentation (IEPD) models, by providing starter models, model patterns and a number of toolboxes for creating IEPD models and schema models,
    * Generate complete IEPDs from your IEPD model
    * Generate NIEM conformant schemas from your information models
    * Import NIEM Reference Schema into your model
    * Create NIEM subset namespaces, composed from elements of the NIEM Reference Schemas
    * Create PIM, PSM and Model Package Description (MPD) diagrams, using the NIEM Toolbox pages
    From No Magic:
    NIEM-UML is a new standard being completed in the Object Management Group (OMG) with the support of the NIEM program management office, key NIEM experts and experts in modeling and model driven architecture.
    NIEM-UML leverages the highly successful Unified Modeling Language (UML) standard to facilitate NIEM information sharing, reducing cost, time and risk while improving stakeholder engagement and reuse. NIEM-UML enhances the NIEM suite of specifications by providing a standard for:
    · High-level and business focused representations of NIEM using UML
    · A UML "Profile" which tailors UML tools to precisely represent NIEM
    · The NIEM domain and core reference vocabularies as UML models
    · Automated generation of NIEM exchange specifications (Called IEPDs –Information Exchange Package Documentation and MPDs – Model Package Descriptions) from NIEM-UML models, complete with XML Schema, catalogs and documentation
    · Constraints to validate NIEM conformance
    · Support for NIEM naming and design rules (NDR) 1.3 and NIEM Model Package Description (MPD) specification 1.0.
    · Reverse engineering of existing NIEM assets into UML
    Please rephrase the question if this does not help.
    Best regards
    Icky

    it_user139326 - PeerSpot reviewerit_user139326 (Works)
    User

    I only worked in testing Sparx Enterprise Architect as a replacement for ERwin data modeler. I did not work with No Magic so I don’t know the differences. However, I found this pdf: www.uwm.edu.pl
    I searched on differences between no magic and sparx enterprise architect.
    Hope this helps. Good luck!

    it_user502215 - PeerSpot reviewerit_user502215 (Enterprise Architecture Consultant with 10,001+ employees)
    Real User

    I do not know about plug-in but Sparx has six NIEM tagged values (architecture meta data)

    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:There is a lot of documentation available on the Internet to understand its functionality.
    Top Answer:I rate the pricing a ten out of ten. It is an expensive product compared to software for model-based system engineering.
    Top Answer:The product is very expensive. There could be a trial version for students. It will be helpful.
    Top Answer:In my opinion, there is no real difference between the three tools. All three are software that help organizations model and document their business processes. However, there are some key differences… more »
    Top Answer:The stability has been good and satisfactory. I would rate the stability a ten out of ten.
    Top Answer:It's reasonably priced for large organizations, though it may be perceived as expensive for individual users.
    Ranking
    10th
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    2,816
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    Average Words per Review
    347
    Rating
    8.3
    3rd
    Views
    11,557
    Comparisons
    8,659
    Reviews
    10
    Average Words per Review
    501
    Rating
    7.1
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    MagicDraw
    Learn More
    Sparx Systems
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    Overview

    No Magic MagicDraw is a versatile solution designed to enable users to work on everything from business processes to architecture or software and system modeling.

    No Magic MagicDraw is an extremely robust solution that is designed for a range of professionals. This product is invaluable to business analysts, software analysts, programmers, QA engineers, and documentation writers. It is a highly dynamic and versatile tool that can aid in the analysis and design of Object Oriented (OO) systems. It maximizes the ability of teams to work in tandem by allowing everyone working on a particular project to automatically gain access to the newest version of the model that they are working on. This way everyone can work on their part of the project without having to worry about updating each part of the project individually.

    Benefits of No Magic MagicDraw

    Some of the benefits of using No Magic MagicDraw include:

    • The ability for users to easily adapt to the overall feel of the solution. Users will easily get used to the layout of No Magic MagicDraw regardless of the field they are coming from. Users also learn how to use No Magic MagicDraw features fairly easily. No Magic MagicDraw implements new features at the request of users. This means that the design of the solution is based on the specific needs of the people who use it. Users can quickly learn how to use the various features as they mirror the specific habits of those who use it.
    • The ability to access and manage models created by the software from anywhere in the world. Anyone who is authorized to work on the models can access them so long as they have an internet connection. Work can be completed at any time and from any place, which will greatly increase corporate productivity.

    Reviews from Real Users

    No Magic MagicDraw stands out among its competitors for a number of reasons. Two major ones are the way that it enables users to efficiently create models and the overall robustness of the solution. Users are given the ability to efficiently and accurately model the requirements of whatever it is that they are creating. No Magic MagicDraw provides users with many valuable features that allow them to maximize what they can do with the solution.

    PeerSpot user Wayne L., a Systems Engineer at SIMTRS, notes the way in which No Magic MagicDraw allows users to create models more efficiently. He writes, “We are getting away from the old ways of writing a lot of papers and requirements documents, architecture documents, technical solution documents, interface documents - those days are gone. MagicDraw allows you to model the requirements, and by doing so, you've got a good chance of not missing any requirements. The old way of doing things was to decompose the requirements into shell statements. But when you model it, you will be able to practically make sure you don't miss anything. MagicDraw has a good modeling tool you use for case diagrams. Its use case diagram is part of the UML and SysML that you can use to model requirements to create an architecture. I've created a lot of architectures for the Army and also mapped those components of the architecture as the test procedures.”

    PeerSpot user Terry J., the president at I2R, Inc., notes the robustness of No Magic MagicDraw when he writes, "When you look at it, No Magic is an all-encompassing tool. You can use it for business architecture design. You can use it for deploying an ERP system across your enterprise. However, it was initially designed and developed for model-based systems engineering. That's the systems engineering required to either produce an IP system or product. It takes away the mounds of paper and puts it into a model. It enables you to generate significant savings by modeling that new product or that system before you ever start developing a prototype."

    Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is an enterprise solution that helps streamline, accelerate, and integrate software, system, and business development. With this intuitive modeling and design solution, enterprises can stay in control of their workplaces, enable collaboration, support their teams and colleagues, and manage complex projects. Software architects, business analysts, project managers, developers, support staff, and testers can unite under a single repository. Through numerous view points and potential sub-systems, users are offered a unified view in a complex environment.

    With Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect, users are also offered a shared model option which can be accessed quickly and securely by in-office and remote team members through the Enterprise Architect’s Pro Cloud Server. Building a coherent, verifiable model can be done by connecting and integrating a variety of behavioral and structural information in visual form. As a result, Enterprise Architect offers high performance, flexibility, and the ability to model, manage, and trace every stage of the business development and modeling process.

    Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect Features

    Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect assists in creating a unified and accessible vision in business development by offering a flexible platform with a unique set of rich features. These features include:

    • Test and debug - Streamline software development and visualize software with the simulation process. Users can test and confirm correct behavior, set and oversee test points, and debug and examine software.
    • Track tasks - Track, prioritize, and assign individual and group tasks to assist in the model’s development. Users can visually monitor their progress through the Gantt chart.
    • Open standards - Users can visualize and analyze running software with integrated custom tools. They can also run advanced simulations, team-based repositories, testing tools, and version control. In addition, the solution supports enterprise architecture frameworks such as UPDM and TOGAF.
    • Simulation - Create and debug embedded solutions by simulating behaviors and state models. Users can specify events, triggers, constraints, and more. Users can also specify extensive and complex structural systems and create custom domain-specific solutions.

    Reviews from Real Users

    Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect merges high-end tools, online availability, a dedication to open standards, and accessible pricing so enterprises can stay in control of their workplaces, whether remote or in-office. Users particularly like the architectural frameworks and the scalability.

    Marc L., a principal architecture enterprise solution adviser at Cronomagic Canada, notes, "The product offers very good support for all mainstream modeling notations and architectural frameworks."

    An enterprise architect at a manufacturing company writes, "Scalable solution for modeling, project sharing, and collaboration. Support for it is good."

    Sample Customers
    Northrop Grumman, Labcorp, Deposco, ClearView Training, IT Services Promotion Agency, Intelligent Chaos, Metalithic Systems Inc., Sodifrance
    OmniLink
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    University38%
    Transportation Company13%
    Manufacturing Company13%
    Engineering Company13%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Manufacturing Company17%
    Government15%
    Computer Software Company11%
    Aerospace/Defense Firm8%
    REVIEWERS
    Government16%
    Financial Services Firm11%
    Energy/Utilities Company9%
    Manufacturing Company9%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Educational Organization14%
    Government12%
    Financial Services Firm11%
    Computer Software Company10%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business65%
    Midsize Enterprise5%
    Large Enterprise30%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business15%
    Midsize Enterprise11%
    Large Enterprise75%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business33%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise50%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business15%
    Midsize Enterprise23%
    Large Enterprise62%
    Buyer's Guide
    No Magic MagicDraw vs. Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect
    March 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about No Magic MagicDraw vs. Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
    767,847 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    No Magic MagicDraw is ranked 10th in Business Process Design with 17 reviews while Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is ranked 3rd in Business Process Design with 97 reviews. No Magic MagicDraw is rated 8.2, while Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is rated 8.0. The top reviewer of No Magic MagicDraw writes "Pretty easy to use and versatile, but doesn't support code engineering and can be overly complicated at times". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect writes "Easy to set up and had no issues with stability, but it's not a very friendly tool, and its database modeling and entity-relationship modeling functions need improvement". No Magic MagicDraw is most compared with Visio, Visual Paradigm, Lucidchart, erwin Data Modeler by Quest and IBM System Architect, whereas Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is most compared with Visual Paradigm, Visio, Lucidchart, LeanIX and ARIS BPA. See our No Magic MagicDraw vs. Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect report.

    See our list of best Business Process Design vendors.

    We monitor all Business Process Design reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.