Enterprise Architecture coordinates all the strategies and knowledge about the Enterprise. For example:
In understanding your specific company (knowing that the ‘enterprise’ could be larger in scope and go beyond the corporate boundaries). It includes understanding about the organization and how it operates to support the business. How the technology supports the business. How the business interacts with its customers, business partnerships, community, government and it employees. This is important to uncover growth opportunities and the roadblocks that prevent you from achieving your objectives.
Its a very involved process. It is not just a business strategy or a technological architecture. It is much larger and holistic.
I’ve added a bloglink to the list of blogs. Tom Graves is someone who studies and talks a lot about the holistic view of enterprise. He challenges the thought on “what is value” and “what is an asset of the enterprise.” His posts are deep and an enjoyable. Yet, it may hurt to think that deep but Tom is always careful to provide as much information as possible about the topic at hand.
One thing Tom Graves blog is not is an IT-Centric view to Enterprise Architecture…which is why I would recommend this to business executives like you.
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October 2, 2009 at 8:52 am |
Hi Pat,
True, the Enterprise is greater than its boundaries and there are many roadblocks. I posted myself thoughts on these and such topics as the role of an Enterprise architect or a business architect, in my blog at http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/ea-matters/.
I believe EA enables at least four great competitive advantages to an company:
• Streamlining (simplification of the enterprise unnecessary complexity)
• Alignment (of Technology and Organization to Business Processes)
• Agility (assembly of technology independent, modular services)
• Strategic Planning (mapping of Business Strategy to technology roadmaps)
But only a properly modelled and implemented EA could deliver the true benefits. And it all starts with the business architecture.
Adrian
October 2, 2009 at 1:10 pm |
Hi Adrian,
Good points.
I would think competitive advantages go way beyond technology. Techonology, the way you are talking about it, supports the company and (holistic) enterprise. Enterprise Architecture includes things like Business Architecture (strategy, planning, product development, and so on) and Organizational Architecture and others.
Cheers,
Pat
I’m prejudice in thinking that BizArch is first and foremost.