Enterprise Architecture (EA) is a strategic and holistic discipline within the realm of Information Technology (IT). Its a blueprint that aids in the organization and alignment of an enterprises business objectives with its technology strategy, applications, and infrastructure. EA provides a comprehensive view of the enterprise, enabling effective decision-making, optimization of resources, and adaptation to changes in the business environment.
EA is often compared with town-planning or urban design, as it involves the analysis, design, planning, and implementation of complex systems. EA covers four commonly accepted domains: business, application, data, and technology. Each domain describes a different aspect of the enterprise, such as its structure, functions, processes, information, and resources.
EA is practiced by enterprise architects, who are responsible for creating and maintaining the EA models and artifacts. They also guide and support the stakeholders and solution architects in aligning their projects and initiatives with the EA vision and principles. Enterprise architects act as the bridge between the business and IT domains, ensuring that the enterprise’s goals and strategies are realized through the appropriate use of technology.
EA is beneficial for enterprises because it can help them achieve the following outcomes:
– Improved business performance and efficiency by reducing redundancy, complexity, and information silos