Enterprise Architecture Planning
Encyclopedia
Enterprise architecture
An enterprise architecture is a rigorous description of the structure of an enterprise, which comprises enterprise components , the externally visible properties of those components, and the relationships between them...
is the planning
Planning
Planning in organizations and public policy is both the organizational process of creating and maintaining a plan; and the psychological process of thinking about the activities required to create a desired goal on some scale. As such, it is a fundamental property of intelligent behavior...
process of defining architectures
Enterprise architecture
An enterprise architecture is a rigorous description of the structure of an enterprise, which comprises enterprise components , the externally visible properties of those components, and the relationships between them...
for the use of information in support of the business and the plan for implementing those architectures.
Overview
One of the earlier professional practitioners in the field of system architecture Steven H. Spewak in 1998 defined Enterprise Architecture Planning (EAP) as "the process of defining architectures for the use of information in support of the business and the plan for implementing those architectures." Spewak’s approach to EAP is similar to that taken by DOE in that the business mission is the primary driver. That is followed by the data required to satisfy the mission, followed by the applications that are built using that data, and finally by the technology to implement the applications.This hierarchy of activity is represented in the figure above, in which the layers are implemented in order, from top to bottom. Based on the Business Systems Planning (BSP) approach developed by John Zachman
John Zachman
John A. Zachman is an American business and IT consultant, early pioneer of enterprise architecture, Chief Executive Officer of Zachman International, and originator of the Zachman Framework.- Biography :...
, EAP takes a data-centric approach to architecture planning to provide data quality, access to data, adaptability to changing requirements, data interoperability and sharing, and cost containment. This view counters the more traditional view that applications should be defined before data needs are determined or provided for.
Zachman framework
EAP defines the blueprint for subsequent design and implementation and it places the planning/defining stages into a framework. It does not explain how to define the top two rows of the Zachman FrameworkZachman framework
The Zachman Framework is an Enterprise Architecture framework for enterprise architecture, which provides a formal and highly structured way of viewing and defining an enterprise...
in detail but for the sake of the planning exercise, abbreviates the analysis. The Zachman Framework provides the broad context for the description of the architecture layers, while EAP focuses on planning and managing the process of establishing the business alignment of the architectures.
EAP is planning that focuses on the development of matrixes for comparing and analyzing data, applications, and technology. Most important, EAP produces an implementation plan. Within the Federal Enterprise Architecture, EAP will be completed segment enterprise by segment enterprise. The results of these efforts may be of Governmentwide value; therefore, as each segment completes EAP, the results will be published on the ArchitecturePlus web site.
EAP components
Enterprise Architecture Planning model consists of four levels:- Layer 1 - getting started : This layer leads to producing an EAP workplan and stresses the necessity of high-level management commitment to support and resource the subsequent six components (or steps) of the process. It consists of Planning Initiation, which covers in general, decisions on which methodology to use, who should be involved, what other support is required, and what toolset will be used.
- Layer 2 - where we are today : This layer provides a baseline for defining the eventual architecture and the long-range migration plan. It consists of:
- Business process modelingBusiness process modelingBusiness Process Modeling in systems engineering is the activity of representing processes of an enterprise, so that the current process may be analyzed and improved. BPM is typically performed by business analysts and managers who are seeking to improve process efficiency and quality...
, the compilation of a knowledge base about the business functions and the information used in conducting and supporting the various business processes, and - Current Systems and Technology, the definition of current application systems and supporting technology platforms.
- Layer 3 - the vision of where we want to be : The arrows delineate the basic definition process flow: data architecture, applications architecture, and technology architecture. It consists of:
- Data ArchitectureData architectureData Architecture in enterprise architecture is the design of data for use in defining the target state and the subsequent planning needed to achieve the target state...
- Definition of the major kinds of data needed to support the business. - Applications Architecture - Definition of the major kinds of applications needed to manage that data and support the business functions.
- Technology Architecture - Definition of the technology platforms needed to support the applications that manage the data and support the business functions.
- Layer 4 - how we plan to get there : This consists of the Implementation / Migration Plans - Definition of the sequence for implementing applications, a schedule for implementation, a cost/benefit analysis, and a clear path for migration.
EAP methodology
The Enterprise Architecture Planning (EAP) methodology is beneficial to understanding the further definition of the Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework at level IV. EAP is a how to approach for creating the top two rows of the Zachman FrameworkZachman framework
The Zachman Framework is an Enterprise Architecture framework for enterprise architecture, which provides a formal and highly structured way of viewing and defining an enterprise...
, Planner and Owner. The design of systems begins in the third row, outside the scope of EAP.
EAP focuses on defining what data, applications, and technology architectures are appropriate for and support the overall enterprise. Exhibit 6 shows the seven components (or steps) of EAP for defining these architectures and the related migration plan. The seven components are in the shape of a wedding cake, with each layer representing a different focus of each major task (or step).
Applications
Spewak approach to Federal Enterprise ArchitectureFederal Enterprise Architecture
A federal enterprise architecture is the enterprise architecture of a federal government. It provides a common methodology for information technology acquisition, use, and disposal in the Federal government....
has helped organizations with modeling, business strategy planning, process improvement, data warehousing, and various support systems designs, data administration standards, object-oriented and information engineering methodologies, and project management.
See also
- Enterprise Architecture Framework
- Enterprise Architecture Process
- Enterprise Life CycleEnterprise Life CycleEnterprise Life Cycle in enterprise architecture is the dynamic, iterative process of changing the enterprise over time by incorporating new business processes, new technology, and new capabilities, as well as maintenance, disposition and disposal of existing elements of the enterprise.- Overview...
Further reading
- Steven SpewakSteven SpewakSteven H. Spewak was an American management consultant, author, and lecturer on enterprise architectures, who influenced the direction of enterprise architecture thinking, especially in government.- Biography :...
with Steven C. Hill (1995) Enterprise Architecture Planning: Developing a Blueprint for Data, Applications, and Technology. John Wiley & Sons, New York City. 1995.