Enterprise Architecture
Enterprise Architecture Tool Selection Guide
Editorial Writer: J. Schekkerman Version 5.0 2009
Enterprise Architecture Tool Selection Guide
Preface
Preface
An enterprise architecture (EA) establishes the organization-wide roadmap to achieve an organization‘s mission through optimal performance of its core business processes within an efficient information technology (IT) environment. Simply stated, enterprise architectures are ―blueprints‖ for systematically and completely defining an organization‘s current (baseline) or desired (target) environment. Enterprise architectures are essential for evolving information systems and developing new systems that optimize their mission value. This is accomplished in logical or business terms (e.g., mission, business functions, information flows, and systems environments) and technical terms (e.g., software, hardware, communications), and includes a transition plan for transitioning from the baseline environment to the target environment. If defined, maintained, and implemented effectively, these blueprints assist in optimizing the interdependencies and interrelationships among the business operations of the enterprise and the underlying IT that support these operations. It has shown that without a complete and enforced EA (Strategic) Business Units of the enterprise run the risk of buying and building systems that are duplicative, incompatible, and unnecessarily costly to maintain and interface. For EAs to be useful and provide business value, their development, maintenance, and implementation should be managed effectively and supported by tools. This step-bystep process guide is intended to assist in defining, maintaining, and implementing EAs by providing a disciplined and rigorous approach to EA life cycle management. It describes major EA program management areas, beginning with: 1. suggested organizational structure and management controls 2. a process for development of a baseline and target architecture,
Editorial Writer: J. Schekkerman Version 5.0 2009
Enterprise Architecture Tool Selection Guide
Preface
Preface
An enterprise architecture (EA) establishes the organization-wide roadmap to achieve an organization‘s mission through optimal performance of its core business processes within an efficient information technology (IT) environment. Simply stated, enterprise architectures are ―blueprints‖ for systematically and completely defining an organization‘s current (baseline) or desired (target) environment. Enterprise architectures are essential for evolving information systems and developing new systems that optimize their mission value. This is accomplished in logical or business terms (e.g., mission, business functions, information flows, and systems environments) and technical terms (e.g., software, hardware, communications), and includes a transition plan for transitioning from the baseline environment to the target environment. If defined, maintained, and implemented effectively, these blueprints assist in optimizing the interdependencies and interrelationships among the business operations of the enterprise and the underlying IT that support these operations. It has shown that without a complete and enforced EA (Strategic) Business Units of the enterprise run the risk of buying and building systems that are duplicative, incompatible, and unnecessarily costly to maintain and interface. For EAs to be useful and provide business value, their development, maintenance, and implementation should be managed effectively and supported by tools. This step-bystep process guide is intended to assist in defining, maintaining, and implementing EAs by providing a disciplined and rigorous approach to EA life cycle management. It describes major EA program management areas, beginning with: 1. suggested organizational structure and management controls 2. a process for development of a baseline and target architecture,
References: 1. 2. Report, ‗A Review of Architecture Tools for the Australian Defense Force‘, DSTO-TR-1139, 2001 Book, ‗How to survive in the jungle of Enterprise Architecture Frameworks‘, by Jaap Schekkerman, Trafford Publishing, Canada, 2004; ISBN 141201607X (http://www.trafford.com/robots/03-1984.html) Enterprise Architecture Tools Evaluation Section, Institute For Enterprise Architecture Developments, 2009 (http://www.enterprisearchitecture.info/EA_Tools.htm) Book, ‗Enterprise Architecture Good Practices Guide‘, by Jaap Schekkerman, Trafford Publishing, Canada, 2008; ISBN 142515687-8 (http://www.trafford.com/07-2553) 3. 4. Enterprise Architecture Tool Selection Guide v5.0 © Copyrights, Institute For Enterprise Architecture Developments, 2001-2009 21 May 2009 Enterprise Architecture Tool Selection Guide EA Tool Selection © Copyright Institute For Enterprise Architecture Developments 2001 - 2009 All Rights Reserved Enterprise Architecture Tool Selection Guide v5.0 © Copyrights, Institute For Enterprise Architecture Developments, 2001-2009 22 May 2009