EA as an Actionable Architecture

Jerald Burget

Evolving into an Actionable Evolving into an Actionable Architecture EnvironmentArchitecture Environment

Evolving into an Actionable Evolving into an Actionable Architecture EnvironmentArchitecture Environment

Jerald Burget

• Let’s explore, the basic ideas of EA, the areas where it Let’s explore, the basic ideas of EA, the areas where it adds value to the decision making process, and its adds value to the decision making process, and its evolution towards an Actionable Architecture:evolution towards an Actionable Architecture:

1.1. The "build and deploy" world of IT is disappearing as The "build and deploy" world of IT is disappearing as organizations seek ways to leverage technology as a organizations seek ways to leverage technology as a strategic asset. strategic asset.

2.2. We must understand how IT projects are transitioning into We must understand how IT projects are transitioning into broader enterprise initiatives and leverage that knowledge in broader enterprise initiatives and leverage that knowledge in our drive for success.our drive for success.

3.3. An EA has a direct impact on our agility in meeting An EA has a direct impact on our agility in meeting regulatory challenges and adapt to changing economic regulatory challenges and adapt to changing economic environments. environments.

Jerald Burget

• This has fostered a dramatic growth in EA, which is This has fostered a dramatic growth in EA, which is emerging as a key enabler for action. emerging as a key enabler for action.

• A comprehensive EA assists in understanding the A comprehensive EA assists in understanding the relationships of systems, data, and resources -- to relationships of systems, data, and resources -- to the broader business goals. the broader business goals.

• The next evolution, an “Actionable Architecture”, takes The next evolution, an “Actionable Architecture”, takes this enterprise information and makes it useable, this enterprise information and makes it useable, helping to understand its context, and how to use this helping to understand its context, and how to use this knowledge to improve flexibility and responsiveness.knowledge to improve flexibility and responsiveness.

Jerald Burget

• EA acts as a central access point for the capture EA acts as a central access point for the capture and dissemination of IT and business process and dissemination of IT and business process information, throughout all levels of the information, throughout all levels of the enterprise, as a means to improve decision enterprise, as a means to improve decision making. making.

• The term Actionable Architecture moves the EA The term Actionable Architecture moves the EA from a static project to a central platform for the from a static project to a central platform for the capture and dissemination of IT and business capture and dissemination of IT and business process information. process information.

• In essence, EA becomes a strategic In essence, EA becomes a strategic foundation for knowledgeable decision foundation for knowledgeable decision making and is based on traceable facts in a making and is based on traceable facts in a repository.repository.

This ability to share information for analysis and This ability to share information for analysis and decision making has given rise to the concept of decision making has given rise to the concept of Actionable Architecture. Actionable Architecture.

• EA acts as a central access point for the capture EA acts as a central access point for the capture and dissemination of IT and business process and dissemination of IT and business process information, throughout all levels of the information, throughout all levels of the enterprise, as a means to improve decision enterprise, as a means to improve decision making. making.

• The term Actionable Architecture moves the EA The term Actionable Architecture moves the EA from a static project to a central platform for the from a static project to a central platform for the capture and dissemination of IT and business capture and dissemination of IT and business process information. process information.

• In essence, EA becomes a strategic In essence, EA becomes a strategic foundation for knowledgeable decision foundation for knowledgeable decision making and is based on traceable facts in a making and is based on traceable facts in a repository.repository.

This ability to share information for analysis and This ability to share information for analysis and decision making has given rise to the concept of decision making has given rise to the concept of Actionable Architecture. Actionable Architecture.

Jerald Burget

The role of EA is to act as a central access point The role of EA is to act as a central access point for the capture and dissemination of IT and for the capture and dissemination of IT and business process information throughout all business process information throughout all levels of an organization as a means to improve levels of an organization as a means to improve how decisions are made.how decisions are made.

The idea of Actionable Architecture takes EA and The idea of Actionable Architecture takes EA and molds it into a communication platform that can molds it into a communication platform that can bridge IT and business, moving an organization bridge IT and business, moving an organization from “analysis paralysis” into action.from “analysis paralysis” into action.

• New advancements in tools and methodologies, such as New advancements in tools and methodologies, such as visualization and Web publishing, provide improved IT visualization and Web publishing, provide improved IT analysis and communication. analysis and communication.

• A repository acts as a central place where data is stored A repository acts as a central place where data is stored and maintained. and maintained.

The role of EA is to act as a central access point The role of EA is to act as a central access point for the capture and dissemination of IT and for the capture and dissemination of IT and business process information throughout all business process information throughout all levels of an organization as a means to improve levels of an organization as a means to improve how decisions are made.how decisions are made.

The idea of Actionable Architecture takes EA and The idea of Actionable Architecture takes EA and molds it into a communication platform that can molds it into a communication platform that can bridge IT and business, moving an organization bridge IT and business, moving an organization from “analysis paralysis” into action.from “analysis paralysis” into action.

• New advancements in tools and methodologies, such as New advancements in tools and methodologies, such as visualization and Web publishing, provide improved IT visualization and Web publishing, provide improved IT analysis and communication. analysis and communication.

• A repository acts as a central place where data is stored A repository acts as a central place where data is stored and maintained. and maintained.

Jerald Burget

• It includes information about business processes, data It includes information about business processes, data and systems (including data elements, processes, inputs, and systems (including data elements, processes, inputs, outputs and interrelationships). outputs and interrelationships).

• Most importantly, the repository forms an integrated Most importantly, the repository forms an integrated strategic information-base that supports traceability strategic information-base that supports traceability of data down to the technical or source level.of data down to the technical or source level.

• Using a central repository shifts emphasis away from Using a central repository shifts emphasis away from architecture and information ownership by a few IT architecture and information ownership by a few IT resources - to - broad information sharing throughout the resources - to - broad information sharing throughout the enterprise. enterprise.

• This can take place via the Web, spreadsheets, or XML, This can take place via the Web, spreadsheets, or XML, and is generated from the same repository of data. and is generated from the same repository of data.

Jerald Burget

• Published information can be packaged and disseminated to different user groups for analysis and action.

• Generally, information users or stakeholders are divided into three different interest levels:

o Strategic (for asset strategy/portfolio management)o Operational (for business process support) o Technical (for systems and applications, Web Services

support)• A key part of the dissemination process is

visualization. All data is captured in a central repository, from which relationships among systems, people, processes and data can be analyzed and visualized in graphic format.

• Published information can be packaged and disseminated to different user groups for analysis and action.

• Generally, information users or stakeholders are divided into three different interest levels:

o Strategic (for asset strategy/portfolio management)o Operational (for business process support) o Technical (for systems and applications, Web Services

support)• A key part of the dissemination process is

visualization. All data is captured in a central repository, from which relationships among systems, people, processes and data can be analyzed and visualized in graphic format.

Jerald Burget

• This enables us to access knowledge tailored to This enables us to access knowledge tailored to our needs and knowledge level. This in turn, our needs and knowledge level. This in turn, drives an effective use of the information. drives an effective use of the information.

• By integrating these diverse realms into a variety By integrating these diverse realms into a variety of views, better decisions can be made about of views, better decisions can be made about areas ranging from technology investments and areas ranging from technology investments and gap analysis -- to cost reductions and process gap analysis -- to cost reductions and process efficiency. efficiency. Information is now placed in the Information is now placed in the broader enterprise contextbroader enterprise context..

• Today's trend toward Actionable Architecture Today's trend toward Actionable Architecture offers a tremendous advantage. This architecture offers a tremendous advantage. This architecture can be used to:can be used to:

o Capture and share best practices and experiencesCapture and share best practices and experienceso Streamline implementationsStreamline implementationso Foster a full life cycle sharing of information to improve Foster a full life cycle sharing of information to improve

IT practicesIT practices

• This enables us to access knowledge tailored to This enables us to access knowledge tailored to our needs and knowledge level. This in turn, our needs and knowledge level. This in turn, drives an effective use of the information. drives an effective use of the information.

• By integrating these diverse realms into a variety By integrating these diverse realms into a variety of views, better decisions can be made about of views, better decisions can be made about areas ranging from technology investments and areas ranging from technology investments and gap analysis -- to cost reductions and process gap analysis -- to cost reductions and process efficiency. efficiency. Information is now placed in the Information is now placed in the broader enterprise contextbroader enterprise context..

• Today's trend toward Actionable Architecture Today's trend toward Actionable Architecture offers a tremendous advantage. This architecture offers a tremendous advantage. This architecture can be used to:can be used to:

o Capture and share best practices and experiencesCapture and share best practices and experienceso Streamline implementationsStreamline implementationso Foster a full life cycle sharing of information to improve Foster a full life cycle sharing of information to improve

IT practicesIT practices

Jerald Burget

• Driving this trend is the rise of architecture Driving this trend is the rise of architecture standards and methods, including Frameworks and standards and methods, including Frameworks and Reference Models. Reference Models.

• These standards enable interoperability, These standards enable interoperability, communications, and collaboration at the communications, and collaboration at the enterprise level.enterprise level.

• Frameworks are a key part of any EA environment.Frameworks are a key part of any EA environment.• They offer a commonly accepted classification They offer a commonly accepted classification

system for EA and provide a systematic, system for EA and provide a systematic, comprehensive checklist of the resources, comprehensive checklist of the resources, systems, processes, and internal and external systems, processes, and internal and external factors that contribute to strategies and operations.factors that contribute to strategies and operations.

Frameworks

Jerald Burget

• Frameworks offer not only a standard approach Frameworks offer not only a standard approach and perspective, but a common vocabulary and a and perspective, but a common vocabulary and a similar set of work products. similar set of work products.

• They simplify the architecture development They simplify the architecture development process into discrete, understandable pieces and process into discrete, understandable pieces and help determine which systems and applications help determine which systems and applications are tied to business needs. are tied to business needs.

• Frameworks enable different IT groups to Frameworks enable different IT groups to understand how systems support processes and understand how systems support processes and strategies within the enterprise and offer a way to strategies within the enterprise and offer a way to evaluate an IT portfolio.evaluate an IT portfolio.

• Frameworks guide the technically complex Frameworks guide the technically complex process of integrating heterogeneous, multi-process of integrating heterogeneous, multi-siloed, multi-vendor architectures. siloed, multi-vendor architectures.

• Frameworks offer not only a standard approach Frameworks offer not only a standard approach and perspective, but a common vocabulary and a and perspective, but a common vocabulary and a similar set of work products. similar set of work products.

• They simplify the architecture development They simplify the architecture development process into discrete, understandable pieces and process into discrete, understandable pieces and help determine which systems and applications help determine which systems and applications are tied to business needs. are tied to business needs.

• Frameworks enable different IT groups to Frameworks enable different IT groups to understand how systems support processes and understand how systems support processes and strategies within the enterprise and offer a way to strategies within the enterprise and offer a way to evaluate an IT portfolio.evaluate an IT portfolio.

• Frameworks guide the technically complex Frameworks guide the technically complex process of integrating heterogeneous, multi-process of integrating heterogeneous, multi-siloed, multi-vendor architectures. siloed, multi-vendor architectures.

Jerald Burget

• In the commercial world, two popular frameworks are:1. Zachman (a conceptual framework)2. The Open Group Architectural Framework (TOGAF - an open

platform for developing process-driven architectures)• In the public sector, there are frameworks such as

the:o Department of Defense Architectural Framework (DODAF)o the newest evolution of the C4ISR frameworko the Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA) framework (with

Reference Models)• These all provide guidelines for architecture

development.

• In the commercial world, two popular frameworks are:1. Zachman (a conceptual framework)2. The Open Group Architectural Framework (TOGAF - an open

platform for developing process-driven architectures)• In the public sector, there are frameworks such as

the:o Department of Defense Architectural Framework (DODAF)o the newest evolution of the C4ISR frameworko the Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA) framework (with

Reference Models)• These all provide guidelines for architecture

development.

Jerald Burget

Role of Standards Role of Standards • Standards are an important aspect of EA. They

represent the best practices based on the combined knowledge of a community of industry experts.

• They offer other advantages such as improved data sharing, interoperability, accuracy and information assurance.

• Modeling standards range from the Unified Modeling Language (UML) for requirements, analysis & design, implementation, and deployment modeling, Entity Relationship (E/R) Diagrams in data modeling and the Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) for business process modeling.

• The rise of Web Services has resulted in the introduction of new standards, such as Service-Oriented Architectures (SOAs).

• Standards are an important aspect of EA. They represent the best practices based on the combined knowledge of a community of industry experts.

• They offer other advantages such as improved data sharing, interoperability, accuracy and information assurance.

• Modeling standards range from the Unified Modeling Language (UML) for requirements, analysis & design, implementation, and deployment modeling, Entity Relationship (E/R) Diagrams in data modeling and the Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) for business process modeling.

• The rise of Web Services has resulted in the introduction of new standards, such as Service-Oriented Architectures (SOAs).

Jerald Burget

• EA integrates these modeling standards into a EA integrates these modeling standards into a framework such as those previously described. framework such as those previously described.

• This will give the flexibility of selecting the most This will give the flexibility of selecting the most appropriate modeling techniques, yet draw on appropriate modeling techniques, yet draw on an expertise that is widely used and understood an expertise that is widely used and understood in the IT world.in the IT world.

• Standards also enable a smoother transition to Standards also enable a smoother transition to emerging technologies. emerging technologies.

• For example, many organizations are adopting For example, many organizations are adopting Web Services as an IT technology. SOAs enable Web Services as an IT technology. SOAs enable the evolution from tightly coupled applications the evolution from tightly coupled applications to network-based functionality.to network-based functionality.

• EA integrates these modeling standards into a EA integrates these modeling standards into a framework such as those previously described. framework such as those previously described.

• This will give the flexibility of selecting the most This will give the flexibility of selecting the most appropriate modeling techniques, yet draw on appropriate modeling techniques, yet draw on an expertise that is widely used and understood an expertise that is widely used and understood in the IT world.in the IT world.


• For example, many organizations are adopting For example, many organizations are adopting Web Services as an IT technology. SOAs enable Web Services as an IT technology. SOAs enable the evolution from tightly coupled applications the evolution from tightly coupled applications to network-based functionality.to network-based functionality.

Jerald Burget

• An EA enables IT architects to understand the role of An EA enables IT architects to understand the role of SOA within the IT operations:SOA within the IT operations:o Where does SOA make sense? Where does SOA make sense? o How will it be implemented? How will it be implemented? o How will it support future IT operations? How will it support future IT operations? o What are the security issues surrounding the SOA What are the security issues surrounding the SOA

implementation?implementation?• An SOA is defined as a collection of many services that An SOA is defined as a collection of many services that

build into a larger business flow. build into a larger business flow. • It is used to tie together disparate, heterogeneous, It is used to tie together disparate, heterogeneous,

loosely coupled systems. loosely coupled systems.

Jerald Burget

• They link software "artifacts" in a flexible, logical way that seamlessly supports daily business interactions between everyday applications such as documents, transactional applications and collaborative systems.

• Using the EA, we can analyze how SOAs can help add new functionality without limiting future choices.

• An SOA can be incorporated to promote agility, productivity and efficiency and support better, faster, less costly application construction.

• They link software "artifacts" in a flexible, logical way that seamlessly supports daily business interactions between everyday applications such as documents, transactional applications and collaborative systems.

• Using the EA, we can analyze how SOAs can help add new functionality without limiting future choices.

• An SOA can be incorporated to promote agility, productivity and efficiency and support better, faster, less costly application construction.

Jerald Burget


• For example, the adoption of Web Services as an For example, the adoption of Web Services as an IT technology. IT technology.

• SOAs enable the evolution from tightly coupled SOAs enable the evolution from tightly coupled applications to network-based functionality.applications to network-based functionality.

Jerald Burget

EA's Value in Decision Support

EA's Value in Decision Support

• The value of EA is increasingly recognized as The value of EA is increasingly recognized as more than a tool for information capture. more than a tool for information capture.

• Information that is captured in a repository but Information that is captured in a repository but not disseminated in a meaningful way to key not disseminated in a meaningful way to key stakeholder groups, is not taking advantage of EA stakeholder groups, is not taking advantage of EA as a strategic asset.as a strategic asset.

• The evolution of architecture is a result of the The evolution of architecture is a result of the changing IT environment:changing IT environment:o Projects are evolving from single-technology solutions Projects are evolving from single-technology solutions

into broader enterprise initiativesinto broader enterprise initiativeso Projects must be directly tied to business goals.Projects must be directly tied to business goals.

• The distribution of valuable information to The distribution of valuable information to internal groups, so they can take action, is critical internal groups, so they can take action, is critical to the success of an EA program. to the success of an EA program.

• The value of EA is increasingly recognized as The value of EA is increasingly recognized as more than a tool for information capture. more than a tool for information capture.

• Information that is captured in a repository but Information that is captured in a repository but not disseminated in a meaningful way to key not disseminated in a meaningful way to key stakeholder groups, is not taking advantage of EA stakeholder groups, is not taking advantage of EA as a strategic asset.as a strategic asset.

• The evolution of architecture is a result of the The evolution of architecture is a result of the changing IT environment:changing IT environment:o Projects are evolving from single-technology solutions Projects are evolving from single-technology solutions

into broader enterprise initiativesinto broader enterprise initiativeso Projects must be directly tied to business goals.Projects must be directly tied to business goals.

• The distribution of valuable information to The distribution of valuable information to internal groups, so they can take action, is critical internal groups, so they can take action, is critical to the success of an EA program. to the success of an EA program.

Jerald Burget

• Architecture information can be useful in decision Architecture information can be useful in decision areas such as IT and other technology investments, areas such as IT and other technology investments, compliance, as well as other initiatives that promote the compliance, as well as other initiatives that promote the alignment of IT and business. alignment of IT and business.

• There are six areas where EA can add significant There are six areas where EA can add significant value:value:1.1. Financial ControlsFinancial Controls2.2. Portfolio ManagementPortfolio Management3.3. CommunicationCommunication4.4. Configuration/Process TransferConfiguration/Process Transfer5.5. Regulatory ComplianceRegulatory Compliance6.6. IT ArchitectureIT Architecture

Jerald Burget

Financial ControlsFinancial Controls

• The “stand-alone” financial system with a single The “stand-alone” financial system with a single purpose is a relic of the past. purpose is a relic of the past.

• The rise of ERP-type systems confirmed that The rise of ERP-type systems confirmed that back-end operations, especially financials, need back-end operations, especially financials, need to be tied to broader business goals or strategies. to be tied to broader business goals or strategies. That’s where EA comes in. That’s where EA comes in.

• Architecture provides a master blueprint for a Architecture provides a master blueprint for a systematic approach to choosing, managing and systematic approach to choosing, managing and evaluating IT investments. evaluating IT investments.

• It provides common elements to ensure a It provides common elements to ensure a consistent and predictable flow of information. consistent and predictable flow of information.

• A master blueprint gives the information to A master blueprint gives the information to successfully manage IT portfolios and transitions successfully manage IT portfolios and transitions to Web-based IT.to Web-based IT.

• The “stand-alone” financial system with a single The “stand-alone” financial system with a single purpose is a relic of the past. purpose is a relic of the past.

• The rise of ERP-type systems confirmed that The rise of ERP-type systems confirmed that back-end operations, especially financials, need back-end operations, especially financials, need to be tied to broader business goals or strategies. to be tied to broader business goals or strategies. That’s where EA comes in. That’s where EA comes in.

• Architecture provides a master blueprint for a Architecture provides a master blueprint for a systematic approach to choosing, managing and systematic approach to choosing, managing and evaluating IT investments. evaluating IT investments.

• It provides common elements to ensure a It provides common elements to ensure a consistent and predictable flow of information. consistent and predictable flow of information.

• A master blueprint gives the information to A master blueprint gives the information to successfully manage IT portfolios and transitions successfully manage IT portfolios and transitions to Web-based IT.to Web-based IT.

Jerald Burget

• Now days, CIOs, CTOs, and CAOs must show how Now days, CIOs, CTOs, and CAOs must show how their existing and proposed IT infrastructure costs are their existing and proposed IT infrastructure costs are justified through business cases.justified through business cases.

• To meet regulatory requirements or improve agility To meet regulatory requirements or improve agility during changing market conditions, an enterprise during changing market conditions, an enterprise blueprint gives the information needed to analyze blueprint gives the information needed to analyze major systems development projects and major systems development projects and infrastructure upgrades.infrastructure upgrades.

Jerald Burget

Portfolio ManagementPortfolio Management

• In today’s world, Portfolio Management has In today’s world, Portfolio Management has emerged as a key IT initiative. emerged as a key IT initiative.

• Portfolio Management can be defined as Portfolio Management can be defined as managing a set of IT assets over their life cycle.managing a set of IT assets over their life cycle.

• Evaluating a portfolio is a complex process where Evaluating a portfolio is a complex process where we explore the value of the future performance of we explore the value of the future performance of the technology as well as the tradeoff between the technology as well as the tradeoff between this value and the risk. this value and the risk.

• Architecture facilitates the gathering of critical Architecture facilitates the gathering of critical information into a common format. information into a common format.

• This enables the development of an enterprise This enables the development of an enterprise view of an IT infrastructure. view of an IT infrastructure.

• In today’s world, Portfolio Management has In today’s world, Portfolio Management has emerged as a key IT initiative. emerged as a key IT initiative.

• Portfolio Management can be defined as Portfolio Management can be defined as managing a set of IT assets over their life cycle.managing a set of IT assets over their life cycle.

• Evaluating a portfolio is a complex process where Evaluating a portfolio is a complex process where we explore the value of the future performance of we explore the value of the future performance of the technology as well as the tradeoff between the technology as well as the tradeoff between this value and the risk. this value and the risk.

• Architecture facilitates the gathering of critical Architecture facilitates the gathering of critical information into a common format. information into a common format.

• This enables the development of an enterprise This enables the development of an enterprise view of an IT infrastructure. view of an IT infrastructure.

Jerald Burget

• Information about network configuration, Information about network configuration, applications and business process can be applications and business process can be compiled and analyzed to answer questions compiled and analyzed to answer questions about systems. about systems.

• In many cases, this information can be visualized to In many cases, this information can be visualized to show relationship maps, dashboards, scorecards and show relationship maps, dashboards, scorecards and graphs. graphs.

• The underlying repository ties this information directly The underlying repository ties this information directly to the IT infrastructure, making it easy to trace to the IT infrastructure, making it easy to trace relationships back to the original source. relationships back to the original source.

• This bottom-up/top-down integrated approach ensures This bottom-up/top-down integrated approach ensures a smooth line of communication and collaboration.a smooth line of communication and collaboration.

Jerald Burget

CommunicationCommunication• Often overlooked in considering an EA, Often overlooked in considering an EA,

communication is critical to Actionable communication is critical to Actionable Architecture. Architecture.

• The EA provides a common vocabulary, The EA provides a common vocabulary, methodologies, and techniques for the methodologies, and techniques for the development of a blueprint.development of a blueprint.

• This establishes a common platform for This establishes a common platform for analysis and collaboration and eliminates the analysis and collaboration and eliminates the miscommunications that can occur by miscommunications that can occur by decentralized data collection.decentralized data collection.

• With one common repository, information can With one common repository, information can be shared in an understandable format for be shared in an understandable format for analysis.analysis.

• Often overlooked in considering an EA, Often overlooked in considering an EA, communication is critical to Actionable communication is critical to Actionable Architecture. Architecture.

• The EA provides a common vocabulary, The EA provides a common vocabulary, methodologies, and techniques for the methodologies, and techniques for the development of a blueprint.development of a blueprint.

• This establishes a common platform for This establishes a common platform for analysis and collaboration and eliminates the analysis and collaboration and eliminates the miscommunications that can occur by miscommunications that can occur by decentralized data collection.decentralized data collection.

• With one common repository, information can With one common repository, information can be shared in an understandable format for be shared in an understandable format for analysis.analysis.

Jerald Burget

• Architecture information can be tailored to address Architecture information can be tailored to address many different user perspectives, but all drawn many different user perspectives, but all drawn from the same source.from the same source.

• Publishing this information - whether on the Web Publishing this information - whether on the Web or in simple paper reports - becomes a key part of or in simple paper reports - becomes a key part of the collaboration process and fosters feedback the collaboration process and fosters feedback from various stakeholder groups, whether they are from various stakeholder groups, whether they are within or outside IT.within or outside IT.

Jerald Burget

Configuration/Process Transfer

Configuration/Process Transfer

• EA has undergone a significant evolution in the EA has undergone a significant evolution in the area of application configuration. area of application configuration.

• As we look to automate how we transfer As we look to automate how we transfer process knowledge, architecture provides the process knowledge, architecture provides the means to transfer this information directly into means to transfer this information directly into the application, via the practice of Business the application, via the practice of Business Process modeling.Process modeling.

• Architecture information can help us guide Architecture information can help us guide configuration of both applications and business configuration of both applications and business processes. processes.

• Architecture information provides an overview Architecture information provides an overview of the migration, including processes.of the migration, including processes.

• Technical Architects can understand the Technical Architects can understand the transfer of the information in an enterprise transfer of the information in an enterprise context.context.

• EA has undergone a significant evolution in the EA has undergone a significant evolution in the area of application configuration. area of application configuration.

• As we look to automate how we transfer As we look to automate how we transfer process knowledge, architecture provides the process knowledge, architecture provides the means to transfer this information directly into means to transfer this information directly into the application, via the practice of Business the application, via the practice of Business Process modeling.Process modeling.

• Architecture information can help us guide Architecture information can help us guide configuration of both applications and business configuration of both applications and business processes. processes.

• Architecture information provides an overview Architecture information provides an overview of the migration, including processes.of the migration, including processes.

• Technical Architects can understand the Technical Architects can understand the transfer of the information in an enterprise transfer of the information in an enterprise context.context.

Jerald Burget

• Two standards, the Business Process Modeling Two standards, the Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) and the Business Process Notation (BPMN) and the Business Process Execution Language (BPEL) are key to the success Execution Language (BPEL) are key to the success of the migration of knowledge.of the migration of knowledge.

• Developed by the BPMI.org, BPMN brings together Developed by the BPMI.org, BPMN brings together best practices from the modeling industry to offer an best practices from the modeling industry to offer an easier way to develop Business Process models. easier way to develop Business Process models.

• It offers a standard representation that shows It offers a standard representation that shows higher-level processes by merging elements across higher-level processes by merging elements across a wide variety of process semantics into a single a wide variety of process semantics into a single notation.notation.

• BPMN consists of one diagram, the Business BPMN consists of one diagram, the Business Process diagram. Process diagram.

• It is designed to be easy to understand and use, It is designed to be easy to understand and use, thus providing the ability to model complex thus providing the ability to model complex processes. processes.

Jerald Burget

• To model a business process flow, the events that To model a business process flow, the events that occur to start a process, the processes performed occur to start a process, the processes performed along the way and results of the process flow are along the way and results of the process flow are modeled.modeled.

• The advantages of BPMN are many: The advantages of BPMN are many: o BPMN aggregates the best practices of many industries BPMN aggregates the best practices of many industries

and experts. and experts. o It provides the structure to model processes for It provides the structure to model processes for

improved efficiency, while capturing records and improved efficiency, while capturing records and process audits for compliance. process audits for compliance.

o Woven together with core processing systems, BPMN Woven together with core processing systems, BPMN provides a flexible foundation to: Change processes, provides a flexible foundation to: Change processes, Create high degrees of automation, Increase visibility, Create high degrees of automation, Increase visibility, Improve efficiency, and Reduce costsImprove efficiency, and Reduce costs

• To model a business process flow, the events that To model a business process flow, the events that occur to start a process, the processes performed occur to start a process, the processes performed along the way and results of the process flow are along the way and results of the process flow are modeled.modeled.

• The advantages of BPMN are many: The advantages of BPMN are many: o BPMN aggregates the best practices of many industries BPMN aggregates the best practices of many industries

and experts. and experts. o It provides the structure to model processes for It provides the structure to model processes for

improved efficiency, while capturing records and improved efficiency, while capturing records and process audits for compliance. process audits for compliance.

o Woven together with core processing systems, BPMN Woven together with core processing systems, BPMN provides a flexible foundation to: Change processes, provides a flexible foundation to: Change processes, Create high degrees of automation, Increase visibility, Create high degrees of automation, Increase visibility, Improve efficiency, and Reduce costsImprove efficiency, and Reduce costs

Jerald Burget

Regulatory ComplianceRegulatory Compliance• Government mandates like Sarbanes-Oxley or the Government mandates like Sarbanes-Oxley or the

Clinger Cohen Act, the Office Management of Clinger Cohen Act, the Office Management of Budget (OMB) Exhibit 300 in the federal Budget (OMB) Exhibit 300 in the federal government, and state Sunshine Laws, are government, and state Sunshine Laws, are placing more demands to track, analyze and placing more demands to track, analyze and share financial and technology information. share financial and technology information.

• Other demands may result from the need to Other demands may result from the need to demonstrate how we adhere to health, personal, demonstrate how we adhere to health, personal, and financial data protection regulations.and financial data protection regulations.

• We increasingly need a strategic-level We increasingly need a strategic-level understanding of how technology is supporting understanding of how technology is supporting financial processes, goals and the business case financial processes, goals and the business case for technology investments and process for technology investments and process improvements. improvements.

• Government mandates like Sarbanes-Oxley or the Government mandates like Sarbanes-Oxley or the Clinger Cohen Act, the Office Management of Clinger Cohen Act, the Office Management of Budget (OMB) Exhibit 300 in the federal Budget (OMB) Exhibit 300 in the federal government, and state Sunshine Laws, are government, and state Sunshine Laws, are placing more demands to track, analyze and placing more demands to track, analyze and share financial and technology information. share financial and technology information.

• Other demands may result from the need to Other demands may result from the need to demonstrate how we adhere to health, personal, demonstrate how we adhere to health, personal, and financial data protection regulations.and financial data protection regulations.

• We increasingly need a strategic-level We increasingly need a strategic-level understanding of how technology is supporting understanding of how technology is supporting financial processes, goals and the business case financial processes, goals and the business case for technology investments and process for technology investments and process improvements. improvements.

Jerald Burget

• The complexity of these mandates, requires an The complexity of these mandates, requires an enterprise view, the ability to extract discrete enterprise view, the ability to extract discrete pieces from within the repository, and assemble pieces from within the repository, and assemble them into a compliance view.them into a compliance view.

• Architecture enables users to extract information Architecture enables users to extract information from the repository, assemble a compliance view, from the repository, assemble a compliance view, establish a repeatable process, validate process establish a repeatable process, validate process flow, provide analysis tools for operational flow, provide analysis tools for operational decisions and publish information via Web reports decisions and publish information via Web reports or system-to-system via XML. or system-to-system via XML.

• Architecture enables us to consolidate our Architecture enables us to consolidate our architecture and compliance efforts into one architecture and compliance efforts into one place and automate the gathering and generation place and automate the gathering and generation of information. of information.

• This enables us to better understand the This enables us to better understand the changing requirements of these compliance changing requirements of these compliance regulations as part of our development process.regulations as part of our development process.

• The complexity of these mandates, requires an The complexity of these mandates, requires an enterprise view, the ability to extract discrete enterprise view, the ability to extract discrete pieces from within the repository, and assemble pieces from within the repository, and assemble them into a compliance view.them into a compliance view.

• Architecture enables users to extract information Architecture enables users to extract information from the repository, assemble a compliance view, from the repository, assemble a compliance view, establish a repeatable process, validate process establish a repeatable process, validate process flow, provide analysis tools for operational flow, provide analysis tools for operational decisions and publish information via Web reports decisions and publish information via Web reports or system-to-system via XML. or system-to-system via XML.

• Architecture enables us to consolidate our Architecture enables us to consolidate our architecture and compliance efforts into one architecture and compliance efforts into one place and automate the gathering and generation place and automate the gathering and generation of information. of information.

• This enables us to better understand the This enables us to better understand the changing requirements of these compliance changing requirements of these compliance regulations as part of our development process.regulations as part of our development process.

Jerald Burget

• Business Process modeling and EA can both be used as part of a compliance program.

• The architectures help identify and measure risk areas and determine if mitigation procedures are in place.

• Business Process simulation can be carried out using the gathered data to examine how potential changes at different points affect other areas.

• Simulation helps measure risks and predicts the cost of failed processes, thus enabling quantification of different potential risk scenarios.

Jerald Burget

• These predictions may highlight the need for These predictions may highlight the need for additional IT investments, demonstrate inefficient or additional IT investments, demonstrate inefficient or redundant applications or indicate where processes redundant applications or indicate where processes should be re-engineered. should be re-engineered.

• The key to making sound decisions based on The key to making sound decisions based on business process simulation is the integrity of the business process simulation is the integrity of the original data gathered in the central repository.original data gathered in the central repository.

• These predictions may highlight the need for These predictions may highlight the need for additional IT investments, demonstrate inefficient or additional IT investments, demonstrate inefficient or redundant applications or indicate where processes redundant applications or indicate where processes should be re-engineered. should be re-engineered.

• The key to making sound decisions based on The key to making sound decisions based on business process simulation is the integrity of the business process simulation is the integrity of the original data gathered in the central repository.original data gathered in the central repository.

Jerald Burget

IT ArchitectureIT Architecture

• EA ties together the different types of architecture EA ties together the different types of architecture into a cohesive view that crosses departmental into a cohesive view that crosses departmental boundaries, such as:boundaries, such as:

o TechnicalTechnicalo Information/DataInformation/Datao Application/DevelopmentApplication/Developmento OperationsOperationso OrganizationOrganizationo Business ArchitecturesBusiness Architectures

• Using one shared architecture platform, the Using one shared architecture platform, the “enterprise reference” architecture can be “enterprise reference” architecture can be developed. developed.

• EA ties together the different types of architecture EA ties together the different types of architecture into a cohesive view that crosses departmental into a cohesive view that crosses departmental boundaries, such as:boundaries, such as:

o TechnicalTechnicalo Information/DataInformation/Datao Application/DevelopmentApplication/Developmento OperationsOperationso OrganizationOrganizationo Business ArchitecturesBusiness Architectures

• Using one shared architecture platform, the Using one shared architecture platform, the “enterprise reference” architecture can be “enterprise reference” architecture can be developed. developed.

Jerald Burget

• This facilitates collaboration and a more This facilitates collaboration and a more global view of an organization from a global view of an organization from a strategic perspective and it provides a strategic perspective and it provides a guideline for technology and investment guideline for technology and investment as it evolves. as it evolves.

• It also helps IT - from executives to technicians - It also helps IT - from executives to technicians - understand the context of decisions.understand the context of decisions.

Jerald Burget

Actionable Architecture and Decision Support

Actionable Architecture and Decision Support

• Architecture development guidance (industry-Architecture development guidance (industry-proven frameworks and standards combined with proven frameworks and standards combined with compliant architecture tools) is essential to the compliant architecture tools) is essential to the development of EA. development of EA.

• Various architectural views can be leveraged in a Various architectural views can be leveraged in a variety of beneficial ways. By visualizing the factual variety of beneficial ways. By visualizing the factual data captured in the repository, we can view the data captured in the repository, we can view the impact of different decisions. impact of different decisions.

• The architectures, along with analytical tools and The architectures, along with analytical tools and methods, deliver actionable information and are methods, deliver actionable information and are used to improve how technology decisions, used to improve how technology decisions, acquisitions, systems engineering, and investment acquisitions, systems engineering, and investment strategies are analyzed and acted uponstrategies are analyzed and acted upon

• Architecture provides a central repository to Architecture provides a central repository to capture, analyze and visually communicate capture, analyze and visually communicate information. information.

• Architecture development guidance (industry-Architecture development guidance (industry-proven frameworks and standards combined with proven frameworks and standards combined with compliant architecture tools) is essential to the compliant architecture tools) is essential to the development of EA. development of EA.

• Various architectural views can be leveraged in a Various architectural views can be leveraged in a variety of beneficial ways. By visualizing the factual variety of beneficial ways. By visualizing the factual data captured in the repository, we can view the data captured in the repository, we can view the impact of different decisions. impact of different decisions.

• The architectures, along with analytical tools and The architectures, along with analytical tools and methods, deliver actionable information and are methods, deliver actionable information and are used to improve how technology decisions, used to improve how technology decisions, acquisitions, systems engineering, and investment acquisitions, systems engineering, and investment strategies are analyzed and acted uponstrategies are analyzed and acted upon

• Architecture provides a central repository to Architecture provides a central repository to capture, analyze and visually communicate capture, analyze and visually communicate information. information.

Jerald Burget

• It provides the ability to visualize relationships It provides the ability to visualize relationships among systems, applications, data and business among systems, applications, data and business processes, and an integrated strategic processes, and an integrated strategic information base for powerful decision-making. information base for powerful decision-making.

• Even more essential in our increasingly complex Even more essential in our increasingly complex world, EA provides support for traceability of data world, EA provides support for traceability of data in the repository and the sharing of architecture in the repository and the sharing of architecture information via the Web to empower various information via the Web to empower various stakeholder groups to make smarter, faster stakeholder groups to make smarter, faster decisions.decisions.

• To be successful, people within the organization To be successful, people within the organization need the right information, at the right time, in need the right information, at the right time, in the right format, at the right place.the right format, at the right place.

• The information must be delivered securely, The information must be delivered securely, reliably and in a timely manner. reliably and in a timely manner.

• This is Actionable Architecture’s goal. This is Actionable Architecture’s goal.

• It provides the ability to visualize relationships It provides the ability to visualize relationships among systems, applications, data and business among systems, applications, data and business processes, and an integrated strategic processes, and an integrated strategic information base for powerful decision-making. information base for powerful decision-making.

• Even more essential in our increasingly complex Even more essential in our increasingly complex world, EA provides support for traceability of data world, EA provides support for traceability of data in the repository and the sharing of architecture in the repository and the sharing of architecture information via the Web to empower various information via the Web to empower various stakeholder groups to make smarter, faster stakeholder groups to make smarter, faster decisions.decisions.

• To be successful, people within the organization To be successful, people within the organization need the right information, at the right time, in need the right information, at the right time, in the right format, at the right place.the right format, at the right place.

• The information must be delivered securely, The information must be delivered securely, reliably and in a timely manner. reliably and in a timely manner.

• This is Actionable Architecture’s goal. This is Actionable Architecture’s goal.

Jerald Burget

• It delivers information tailored to the user so that it It delivers information tailored to the user so that it can be acted upon. can be acted upon.

• Actionable Architecture offers several strategic Actionable Architecture offers several strategic advantages:advantages:

o Fewer, more powerful, integrated systemsFewer, more powerful, integrated systemso Integration of systems engineering into a broader Integration of systems engineering into a broader

enterprise view.enterprise view.o Context for understanding the delivery of information to Context for understanding the delivery of information to

the right place at the right timethe right place at the right timeo Better support for analysis and decision-makingBetter support for analysis and decision-making

Jerald Burget

ConclusionConclusion• The "build and deploy" world of IT is slowly The "build and deploy" world of IT is slowly

disappearing as organizations seeks to leverage disappearing as organizations seeks to leverage technology as a strategic asset. technology as a strategic asset.

• To fully participate in the changing landscape, To fully participate in the changing landscape, one must be flexible and responsive enough to one must be flexible and responsive enough to take into account, emerging technologies, as well take into account, emerging technologies, as well as changing political and economic environments.as changing political and economic environments.

• IT is increasingly being called on to justify IT is increasingly being called on to justify technology as a cost center and show how technology as a cost center and show how technology can be better utilized as a strategic technology can be better utilized as a strategic asset. asset.

• Additionally, IT is being asked to explain how Additionally, IT is being asked to explain how portfolio management and compliance programs portfolio management and compliance programs tie to the success of the overall business.tie to the success of the overall business.

• The "build and deploy" world of IT is slowly The "build and deploy" world of IT is slowly disappearing as organizations seeks to leverage disappearing as organizations seeks to leverage technology as a strategic asset. technology as a strategic asset.

• To fully participate in the changing landscape, To fully participate in the changing landscape, one must be flexible and responsive enough to one must be flexible and responsive enough to take into account, emerging technologies, as well take into account, emerging technologies, as well as changing political and economic environments.as changing political and economic environments.

• IT is increasingly being called on to justify IT is increasingly being called on to justify technology as a cost center and show how technology as a cost center and show how technology can be better utilized as a strategic technology can be better utilized as a strategic asset. asset.

• Additionally, IT is being asked to explain how Additionally, IT is being asked to explain how portfolio management and compliance programs portfolio management and compliance programs tie to the success of the overall business.tie to the success of the overall business.

Jerald Burget

• This trend is apparent as, more and more, IT This trend is apparent as, more and more, IT budgets are awarded based on business case budgets are awarded based on business case justification. justification.

• CIOs and CTOs require a clear understanding of IT’s CIOs and CTOs require a clear understanding of IT’s relationship to their organization’s goals and relationship to their organization’s goals and missions, to receive funding.missions, to receive funding.

• In this fast-paced world, we understand how IT In this fast-paced world, we understand how IT projects are transitioning into broader enterprise projects are transitioning into broader enterprise initiatives that drive business success. initiatives that drive business success.

• That's where Actionable Architecture can add a That's where Actionable Architecture can add a strategic foundation for knowledgeable decision strategic foundation for knowledgeable decision making, based on facts. making, based on facts.

• For any organization that desires to understand the For any organization that desires to understand the relationships of its systems, data, and resources -- relationships of its systems, data, and resources -- to its broader business goals, EA is a key enabler to its broader business goals, EA is a key enabler for action.for action.

• This trend is apparent as, more and more, IT This trend is apparent as, more and more, IT budgets are awarded based on business case budgets are awarded based on business case justification. justification.

• CIOs and CTOs require a clear understanding of IT’s CIOs and CTOs require a clear understanding of IT’s relationship to their organization’s goals and relationship to their organization’s goals and missions, to receive funding.missions, to receive funding.

• In this fast-paced world, we understand how IT In this fast-paced world, we understand how IT projects are transitioning into broader enterprise projects are transitioning into broader enterprise initiatives that drive business success. initiatives that drive business success.

• That's where Actionable Architecture can add a That's where Actionable Architecture can add a strategic foundation for knowledgeable decision strategic foundation for knowledgeable decision making, based on facts. making, based on facts.

• For any organization that desires to understand the For any organization that desires to understand the relationships of its systems, data, and resources -- relationships of its systems, data, and resources -- to its broader business goals, EA is a key enabler to its broader business goals, EA is a key enabler for action.for action.

Jerald Burget

• The ability to respond to the ever increasing demand The ability to respond to the ever increasing demand for increased efficiency and operational excellence is a for increased efficiency and operational excellence is a key success factor for any organization. key success factor for any organization.

• Actionable Architecture gives a complete view of data, Actionable Architecture gives a complete view of data, applications, and business architectures, across all applications, and business architectures, across all organizational entities. organizational entities.

• Decision makers are provided with the right Decision makers are provided with the right information, at the right time, in the right format, and at information, at the right time, in the right format, and at the right place, to be able to decide on the right the right place, to be able to decide on the right response to emerging technologies as well as response to emerging technologies as well as changing political, resource, and economic conditions.changing political, resource, and economic conditions.

• Strategic decisions are now based on an aligned view Strategic decisions are now based on an aligned view of assets, needs, and constraints -- and will therefore of assets, needs, and constraints -- and will therefore lead to sustainable success as we move forward.lead to sustainable success as we move forward.