Introduction

Enterprise Architecture is a process that is used to define and implement the vision, strategy, and roadmap of an enterprise. It helps in understanding the current situation of an enterprise, analyzing the gaps between the current state and the desired future state, and defining a roadmap to achieve the desired future state.

An enterprise architect is responsible for developing an architecture design that aligns with the organization's strategic goals.

A Brief History of Enterprise Architecture

The Enterprise Architecture (EA) discipline has its roots in the 1960s. It advanced out of the development of various architectural manuscripts on Business Systems Planning (BSP) by Professor Dewey Walker at IBM.

It started receiving attention in the late 1980s after Zachman, Dewey Walker’s student, published an article explaining a framework for information systems architectures in the IBM Systems Journal in 1987.

Enterprise Architect is the #1 best job in America based on Glassdoor’s list with more than 14,000 job openings as of August 2022.

According to the Gartner - Enterprise Architecture Enables Digital Innovation article:
“By 2023, 60% of organizations will depend on EA’s role to lead the business approach to digital innovation.”

What are the Best Enterprise Architecture Frameworks

The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF)
This proven Enterprise Architecture methodology and framework is used by the world's leading organizations to boost business efficiency. The TOGAF Standard, a standard of The Open Group, is the most prominent and reliable Enterprise Architecture standard, ensuring consistent standards, methods, and communication among Enterprise Architecture professionals.

The Zachman Framework
The Zachman Framework initially emerged in the 1980s as a two-dimensional taxonomy for architectural descriptions. This framework addresses the what, how, where, who, when, and why about an enterprise and is used to help organizations understand the relationships between different domains of information without losing the holistic view of a system.

Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEAF)
“The Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework (FEAF) was established in 1999 by the Chief Information Officers (CIO) in response to the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996. The purpose of the FEAF is to facilitate shared development of common processes and information among Federal Agencies and other government agencies.”

Dept of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF)
“The DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) is the industry-standard Enterprise Architecture Framework for defense and aerospace applications. DoDAF defines how to organize the specification of enterprise architectures for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) applications. All major DoD weapons and information technology system procurements are required to document their enterprise architectures using the view products prescribed by the DoDAF. DoDAF is well suited to large systems and systems-of-systems (SoSs) with complex integration and interoperability issues. Although DoDAF is primarily focused on defense applications, it can also be applied to commercial systems.”

Benefits of Using an EA Framework for Your Business

Enterprise architectures are created to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase profitability. These architectures also help organizations stay competitive in their industry by leveraging new technologies and adapting to changes in customer expectations.

• EA frameworks and tools can help organizations assess their current situation and plan for future needs
• They provide a comprehensive understanding of how the organization operates, including its processes and systems
• They help in identifying gaps between the current and desired state
• Provide a clear picture of how your business can be successful in the future
• Provide guidance on where to invest time, money, and resources
• Improve decision-making
• Increase visibility of the organization’s strategic direction
• Align architecture across all business units
• Accelerate the digital transformation process

How to Implement an EA Framework in Your Organization

EA frameworks are not a new concept in the world of business. They have been around for decades and have been used by many organizations across the globe. The process is well-defined and straightforward. It starts with identifying the needs of the organization and then proceeds to identify the gaps that need to be filled in order to meet those needs.

The framework then lays out a series of steps that need to be followed to ensure that all these needs are met. The first step is identifying what is driving this need for change, which is then followed by developing an understanding of what kind of changes will be needed, and finally implementing a plan for change.

For example, one of the best ways to ensure that a company has an Enterprise Architecture is to have an enterprise architect on staff or engage with an enterprise architect consultant. This person would work closely with other employees and departments within the organization, making sure that they are all on board with the organization’s strategy.

The TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) Cycle consists of a number of phases that cycle through a range of architecture domains, which enable the architect to ensure that a complex set of requirements is adequately addressed as shown below.

Figure1: TOGAF ADM Cycle

• Preliminary Phase: Helps organizations prepare for architecture projects by undertaking activities required to create an Architecture capability, define architecture principles, customize the framework, and select tools needed to succeed.
• Requirements Management: Requirements are generated, validated and stored into relevant buckets throughout all phases.
• Architecture Vision: Provide high-level description of current and desired architectures across business, information systems and technology domains by identifying organization scope, stakeholders, and integrating business mission, vision, strategy, and goals.
• Business Architecture, Information Systems Architectures (Application & Data), and Technology Architecture: Each phase develops the current and desired architecture and analyzes gaps.
• Opportunities & Solutions: Initial implementation planning and the discovery of delivery tools for the solutions identified in the previous phases.
• Migration Planning: Implementation and Migration Plan to address how to move from the current to the desired architecture.
• Implementation Governance: Oversight to ensure that the implementation project conforms to the desired architecture.
• Architecture Change Management: Continual monitoring to ensure that the changes maximize the benefits of the architecture for the business.

Conclusion: Why EA Frameworks Are Essential for Companies Wanting to Survive in the Digital Age

In the digital age, businesses need to adopt new strategies and change the way they do things. The more competitive the market becomes, the more likely it is that companies will have to adapt their strategies in order to remain relevant.

Enterprise Architecture helps organizations make sure that there are no gaps in the company’s digital culture and digital strategy. It is an essential part of any organization, as it ensures that the company will be able to execute better and scale in the future.

References:

• https://dodcio.defense.gov/Library/DoD-Architecture-Framework/
• https://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/CMS-Information-Technology/EnterpriseArchitecture/FEAF
• https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/enterprise-architecture-enables-digital-innovation
• https://www.glassdoor.com/List/Best-Jobs-in-America-LST_KQ0,20.htm
• https://www.opengroup.org/togaf