No Magic MagicDraw vs Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect comparison

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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).
763,955 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 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 like the traceability feature. Whoever is working with the product would be sure of the things that could be affected if they decided to affect one of the other companies. For example, let's say that an engineer starts a new project optimization problem by adjusting the thickness of metal sheets. However, the engineers only see a reduced number of affections, but when we use the requirement traceability, they can see the whole picture. That's the main aspect that we were promoting with this tool.""The most valuable features are the visibility, standard compliance, and interface.""No Magic has the tools and capability to model a complete enterprise and all product lines.""The MBFC capability of MagicDraw is higher than the other competitors.""There is a lot of documentation available on the Internet to understand its functionality.""It is pretty easy to use. It is pretty versatile.""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."

More No Magic MagicDraw Pros →

"For the most part, we find that it is remarkable how inexpensive it is.""Its most valuable feature is the Zachman Framework.""I like Sparx's BPM features and the way it lets you create the diagram.""This is a useful tool for IT people who need to design their solution architecture.""Modeling is a part of my work, and it has a lot of standard modeling languages. It is quite wide, and a lot is possible in it. We are not programming it ourselves, but if you are into programming and developing software yourself, you can go further and do a lot with Sparx. You can work from the framework and go into the details. With this solution, you get a lot of value at a low cost. It is also quite intuitive in terms of use. I like the use of it.""The most valuable feature of Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is the value streams.""We use it to develop and maintain the Enterprise Conceptual Model, migrated from erwin a couple of years ago.""I have found the Meta Model tuning feature useful as it provides me with an overview of all my work needs."

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.""The UI UX of the tool is not really user-friendly and needs to be completely reformed.""The technical support is not very good.""The price of the solution could be reduced.""There are some technical features that you have to study and do research on to be able to understand.""There could be a trial version for students.""I would like to see the ability to deploy live business process models and capture real-time data (without the need for another product tool) so you don't have to be dependent on other products for this functionality.""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."

More No Magic MagicDraw Cons →

"The elements of the modeling sets can have better customization and visual representation. It would be great to have a mobile version.""It took me a while to figure out how to use the report generation features effectively. So, it would be really nice if they had a way to make that a little bit more interactive and a little bit more straightforward.""The integration could be improved.""Not visually appealing.""This solution should have better ease of use for the uninitiated.""The Business Process Modeling or BPM feature can be improved to make it more interactive and user friendly because it is a tool for technical people. My current use is only for business process modeling notation and putting in the icons etc. You need to take them in as a class, which makes things very complex. Because of this complexity, it is not an easy-to-handle solution. Enterprise Architect is not very good for mockups. We cannot create user screens and other similar kinds of stuff, which is bad. For these things, we prefer to use Axure RP and other similar solutions. They should either remove this feature from this product or provide some kind of connectivity with Axure RP so that people can do better mockups of screens and import them. They need to augment and strengthen the BPM feature, which is the main feature. They need to put in some elements like artificial intelligence and augmented reality. They should look into such features because these things are coming up.""The database management area was not usable.""I think the product is good. When I'm trying to do something specific for some part of project documentation, it's hard to get it figured out if you don't use it all the time. It's such a massive tool, it's hard to figure out how to dig in and get to the documentation where you have to be to get some idea of what to do. There are not a lot of examples that I'm aware of to be able to do that."

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: http://www.sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/12.1/schema_engineering/niem_three.html
    https://www.nomagic.com/product-addons/magicdraw-addons/cameo-niem-plugin

    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: http://www.uwm.edu.pl/wnt/technicalsc/tech_12/B15.pdf
    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 »
    Ranking
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    347
    Rating
    8.3
    4th
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    11,884
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    8,870
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    10
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    Also Known As
    MagicDraw
    Learn More
    Sparx Systems
    Video Not Available
    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%
    Government14%
    Computer Software Company11%
    Aerospace/Defense Firm8%
    REVIEWERS
    Government16%
    Financial Services Firm11%
    Energy/Utilities Company9%
    Manufacturing Company9%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Educational Organization14%
    Government11%
    Financial Services Firm11%
    Computer Software Company10%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business65%
    Midsize Enterprise5%
    Large Enterprise30%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business15%
    Midsize Enterprise10%
    Large Enterprise75%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business34%
    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.
    763,955 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    No Magic MagicDraw is ranked 9th in Business Process Design with 6 reviews while Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is ranked 4th in Business Process Design with 9 reviews. No Magic MagicDraw is rated 8.2, while Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is rated 7.8. 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.