Enterprise Architecture

Enterprise Architecture

An Enterprise Architecture (EA) is a blueprint that defines the operations and structure of an organization. The idea behind having an EA in place is to be able to analyze the organizational resources and objectives in a better and organized way.

Forester Definition

“EA is a planning, governance, and innovation function. It is an essential function for improving IT effectiveness and efficiency”

Gartner’s Definition

"EA" is the process of translating business vision and strategy into effective plans for enterprise change’

The largely accepted view of EA comprises of 4  business perspectives. See diagram below.

Business Architecture (Business)

Describes the functional structure of the organization in terms of what the organization does (Business Services) and how it executes its services (Business Processes). The Business Architecture gives you a good idea of how the various business processes are interlinked and inter-weaved in certain instances.

Information Architecture (Information)

Refers to the organization of enterprise data. Describes how information is stored and also gives a good understanding on the flow of information.

IT Applications Architecture (Applications)

Describes the suite of IT applications and tools used by the organization to either gain business competitiveness or to solve business problems. App Architects need to unsure that they design AA to be scalable, reliable, manageable, and available. Also an important consideration would be look at the ease with which applications can be integrated with new applications and external environments.

IT Infrastructure Architecture (Technology)

Infrastructure Architecture refers to the design of the support software and hardware required to keep IT application available for use.