SysML FAQ: How can I choose between the MagicDraw and Cameo architecture modeling tools?

MagicDraw™ and Cameo™ (Cameo Systems Modeler™ and Cameo Enterprise Architecture™) are architectural modeling tools offered by the No Magic Inc. subsidiary of Dassault Systèmes. Simply stated, Cameo is a rebranding of MagicDraw, No Magic's flagship UML tool for software-intensive applications, for Model-Based Systems Engineering applications that use SysML (a dialect of UML 2 adapted for systems engineering). These two complementary architecture modeling tools are compared and contrasted in more detail below.

MagicDraw targets Software Engineers

• MagicDraw is NoMagic's flagship enterprise architecture modeling tool that supports a wide range of popular modeling languages (UML 2, SysML, BPMN 2, etc.) and is capable of automatic static code generation (classes and interfaces) for popular Object-Oriented Programming Languages (Java, C#, C++, etc.). It also supports a wide range of plugins for data modeling, model simulation, and enterprise architecture frameworks (DoDAF 2, UPDM 2, TOGAF, etc.). MagicDraw is a popular choice for Software Engineers and Software Architects. See MagicDraw Editions for details.

Cameo targets Systems Engineers

• Cameo Systems Modeler™ (CSM) is a collaborative Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) environment based on MagicDraw that includes the SysML and Cameo Simulation Toolkit plugins, but does not include the Enterprise Architecture plugins bundled with Cameo Enterprise Architecture (CEA; see below). CSM is a popular choice for Systems Engineers seeking to simulate SysML system architecture models. See Cameo Systems Modeler Editions for details.
• Cameo Enterprise Architecture™ (CEA) is also based on MagicDraw, and includes plugins for SysML, Cameo Data Modeler, Cameo Business Modeler and various enterprise architecture frameworks (DoDAF 2, MODAF, NAF 3 and UAF), but does not include the Cameo Simulation Toolkit plugin. CEA is a popular choice among Systems Engineers seeking to specify Enterprise Architecture Frameworks and data models with SysML. See Cameo Enterprise Architecture Editions for details.

Contact us to discuss details regarding MagicDraw/Cameo tool branding and plugin choices, as well as MagicDraw & Cameo architecture modeling tool training.