Thomas Bittman's session "Virtualization Changes Virtually Everything" is aptly named as this key trend impacts Enterprise Architects, Applications Leaders, and just about everyone else in IT and business.

Read Full Post

Submit a Comment | Permalink

One of the key places where the "rubber meets the road" between enterprise architecture and the applications world is the project portfolio.

A great way to see if an organization really does what the enterprise architecture calls for is to look at the projects that are in flight and the ones that are likely to be funded in the near future. The first indication that the project portfolio management process and the enterprise architecture are properly in sync is that the enterprise mission and strategy described in the enterprise architecture are used as a major driver in the capital planning process that determines which projects get funded. The second indication is that when key design decisions are made in a project, the enterprise architecture and related standards are used as a primary reference to guide these decisions. The third indication is that when key purchase decisions are made within a project, the enterprise architecture standards are considered before purchases are approved.

To hear more, join Robert Handler in his presentation entitled "Effective IT Planning: Integrating EA, IT Strategy and Portfolio Management." Another great session on the intersection of enterprise architecture and projects and programs is "Managing the Migration to Your Future State Architecture" by Scott Bittler. Finally, for those of you interested in new application methodologies and the implications on project management, check out "Agile Software Project Management: Square Peg in a Round Hole."

Submit a Comment | Permalink

One of the most basic measures of architecture effectiveness is whether key people are aware of the architecture. Expecting project leaders, developers, infrastructure professionals, security people, and countless others to actually 'live' an architecture presumes they are familiar with the architecture and how it applies to their roles. This sounds both obvious and easy to address. However, in my 18 years of working with end users on this challenge, all too many assumed that it was simply a case of posting the documents containing the common requirements vision, principals, standards, etc.

In a recent finding, Anne Lapkin and Betsy Burton took a great new look at this challenge. They interviewed several digital natives (young people used to the latest web and Internet ways of doing things). One of the interviewees made the comment that because information has always been so readily available to him, he is much more focused on where and how to find information than on memorizing and/or retaining the information. You can hear more about this at Betsy's session "Attack of the Digital Natives" and also at Anne's session "Communications Will Make or Break Your EA Effort." Another great session along these lines is one by Robert Handler called "Communication, Persuasion and Interpersonal Skills for EA."

This strongly reinforces the need to actively market any concept that needs to be applied across an organization such as an enterprise architecture, application development methodology, or change management processes. To reach digital natives it will be important not only to include this information in one or more portals, but also on blogs, wikis, and any other social software that is available in your organization. Don't forget about more traditional approaches such as face-to-face meetings, audio teleconferences, and 'brown bag' lunches. In short, make sure you have a real communication plan!

Submit a Comment | Permalink