Enterprise Architecture
-
Defining Enterprise Architecture Starts with Defining Architecture
In order to define Enterprise Architecture, it’s important to start by defining Architecture itself. Fortunately—or, perhaps, unfortunately—there are a lot of definitions to choose from. We’ll reference two that I think capture the architecture function reasonably well, and we’ll also spend a little time criticizing them for fun, and then narrow it down and move… Continue reading
-
The Role of Asset Management in Enterprise Architecture
Digital technology tends to develop at a pace that many large organizations find challenging to assimilate. We’re seeing that situation in real time lately, with recent advances in generative AI. But I think cloud is a better case study for establishing asset management programs for enterprise architecture, given the wide-ranging capabilities it democratized. Plus I… Continue reading
-
Asset Classification as the Foundation for Enterprise Architecture Governance
Putting an asset management model in place for enterprise architecture will provide the structure and basis for ownership needed for architecture design and governance programs. But the model has to be put in motion so that it isn’t just an intellectual exercise. It also needs to be done in a way which can be tracked… Continue reading
-
Enterprise Architecture Begins Where Responsibility Is Defined
In previous articles, we examined how ITIL situates asset management within IT services and operations. That framing is useful. But it leaves a larger question unaddressed: what happens when the same discipline is applied not just to technology components, but to architecture itself? Architecture determines how technology components are assembled, constrained, and executed, which is… Continue reading
-
Enterprise Architecture, ITIL, and the Architectural Role of Asset Management
ITIL, the Information Technology Infrastructure Library, is a framework built on best practices for managing IT service delivery. It defines three types of practices: None of this obviously points to Enterprise Architecture. So why start here? Why Talk About ITIL in a Discussion of Enterprise Architecture? One possible answer is that ITIL includes something called… Continue reading
-
Learning to Think About Systems Through Frameworks and Methodologies
I became interested in frameworks and methodologies early in my career, starting with a systems development methodology called Structured Analysis and Design (SA/SD). Ed Yourdon, a pioneer in the field of computer science, led the development of SA/SD at a time when managing large systems was becoming increasingly problematic. In earlier times, computational resources were… Continue reading
-
Creating the Structural Foundation for Enterprise Architecture
When getting started with enterprise architecture, it’s tempting to begin by focusing on architecture itself. But that’s likely not the best place to start. While enterprise architecture has its own lane, it extends into many others, so is inherently cross-functional. Not everyone will welcome that, especially in large organizations with senior leadership challenges. I learned… Continue reading
-
The Role of Chief Architect
The Chief Architect role in a large organization is often described in simple terms. But in practice, the responsibilities resist simplification. There are effectively three structural elements to the role, although they’re often not distinctly recognizable until weaknesses compound. Each contributes something essential, yet real effectiveness comes from synthesizing all three into a coherent whole. … Continue reading
-
How to Lead Enterprise Architecture: Balancing Long-Term Direction with Immediate Results
I’ve had the privilege of building and leading strategy and enterprise architecture functions for several large businesses, and I’ve worked with many others in an advisory role as a management consultant. It’s always been an intriguing puzzle, and it hasn’t always gone smoothly. But over time, I’ve discovered approaches that work exceptionally well. Balancing Long-Term… Continue reading