While many enterprise architecture (EA) programs may be less than effective or threatened by extinction, the EA discipline is still an important set of skills and processes that improve IT decision-making and CIO effectiveness. Yet, after decades of architecting systems, the advent of several EA frameworks, and the many definitions available for the term EA, we still strive to understand what EA is, what it does, and what it looks like when it is successful.
Enterprise Architecture
is More than Engineering May 19, 2008 AUTHOR: Mike Rollings (mrollings@burtongroup.com) TECHNOLOGY THREAD: Enterprise Architecture Concepts and Management Synopsis While many enterprise architecture (EA) programs discipline with an open mind toward change so that may be less than effective or threatened by extinction, EA becomes synonymous with results. the EA discipline is still an important set of skills and processes that improve IT decision-making and CIO Looking for the Meaning effectiveness. Yet, after decades of architecting systems, the advent of several EA frameworks, and the of EA many definitions available for the term EA, we still 1strive to understand what EA is, what it does, and The Oxford American Dictionary offers the following what it looks like when it is successful. Most enterprise two definitions for architecture: architects start out wanting to be effective, but organizational isolation driven by ivory tower 1. The art or practice of designing and syndrome, a lack of participation, or a lack of constructing buildings commitment to the results inhibits their influence on getting things done. Disconnects like these and those . The style in which a building is designed with the software development lifecycle (SDLC) or constructed, esp. with regard to a should be seen as a sign of danger, but all EA specific period, place or culture: Victorian programs, even effective ones, can be improved. This architecture. is accomplished by understanding fundamental operating model principles for process integration and 2. The complex or carefully designed structure standardization, avoiding framework-centric of something: the chemical architecture of the approaches, and focusing on getting things done. human brain . The conceptual structure and logical Analysis organization of a computer or computer- based system. Many EA programs are failing or losing steam because they are disconnected from getting things done and For almost as long as people have built things, they cannot demonstrate their business value. Along with have relied on architecture as a means to describe the classic problems of ivory tower syndrome, them. Many amazing structures-the Egyptian and ineffective processes, lack of participation, and low Aztec pyramids, the Great Wall of China, and the stakeholder commitment, a disconnect exists between Golden Gate Bridge, to name a few-have benefited the focus of many EA programs and the changing role from a thoughtful design. However, architecture is of the CIO. different from engineering in that it incorporates the need to balance aesthetic value and the artful ability to One of the more dangerous and disabling traps of an fit in with the surroundings, along with the EA program comes from the word "enterprise." It engineering skill to design and build. inspires an immediate association with the entirety of an organization and limits the benefits of applying the Great architecture like The Temple de la Sagrada examination of dependencies, implications, and Família in Barcelona is amazing to behold. What constraints to multiple points of reference. Another started as an empty grazing field in 1866 is now the trap is to think "architecture" is limited solely to heart of the city. Why did this part of the city evolve engineering design and construction. into the heart and not into a manufacturing center? Why does the Temple look like a unified structure All is not lost! It is not time to throw out EA. Instead, and not a series of bolted on structures that were it is time to examine how to improve the use of this individually designed and built? The answers to these questions and others must have been considered in EA has Minimal Influence advance along with the artistic, structural, and design constraints. It is easy to spot an EA program that is floundering; in such a program, the EA team has little or no influence So it seems that the idea to use architecture to describe on getting things done. I have spoken with teams that an information system is a natural connection. Both could not gain traction-their artifacts were buildings and information systems are complex disconnected from each other and lacked relevant structures-both need to be concerned with their guidance. I have also seen several beautiful surroundings and usability-and both require architectures that articulate busine... [download for more]
