- 09 April, 2009 09:57 AM EST
- Does Your CIO Need You?
A colleague of mine pointed out a recent article in CIO Magazine entitled "Do You Need an Enterprise Architect?" The author interviews a CIO who, among other things, states that the role is "basically the guy who understands what the business needs, where it is headed and finds technology to match those needs." I certainly wouldn't argue with that working definition. While it's not our formal definition, it's fine for a magazine article. Also, by happenstance or consciousness, the article appears to be written to an Indian audience.
That said, your CIO may read it, so I thought it worthwhile to bring it to your attention. The author makes some good points, like:
- The role of the enterprise architect is needed now more than ever
- Most don't understand what enterprise architecture is
- The value proposition of EA may not resonate (e.g., "I create diagrams")
- It's a role and can be assumed by someone with a different title
- As long as the value proposition and deliverables remain ambiguous, EA is in jeopardy (in India)!
- SOA may eventually force the need for EA.
On another note, another colleague of mine pointed out a site called ITJobsWatch. This site purports to track the IT job market in the United Kingdom. While I cannot vouch for their data or methodology, it is interesting to note that according to them, the demand for architects is not only strong, it's increasing.
