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Enterprise Architecture
From "What we have" to "What we want"

"Enterprise Architecture is the organizing logic for business processes and IT infrastructure reflecting the integration and standardization requirements of the firm`s operating model.^"^[1]
	Enterprise architecture is the high-level structure of enterprise systems, the guiding architecture for firms to help them implement their strategic vision. In other words, it bridges from "Where we are" to "Where we want to be". Ranked near the top of the list of issues considered important by the chief information officers, Enterprise Architecture gives a framework within which the various levels of IS change can be considered: Business Architecture, Information Architecture, Data Architecture and Systems Architecture.
Enterprise architecture is used to describe the practice of documenting the elements of business strategy, business case, business model and supporting technologies, policies and infrastructures that make up an enterprise. Investments needed in new IS-related efforts such as BPR, Client-Server Computing, Distributed Databases can be considered within this systemic framework. Decisions related to strategy, business goals, information needs, data mapping, selection of specific hardware and software can be guided by this framework to ensure maximal effectiveness and efficiency, and ultimately delivery of the business vision.

Layered model

Often explained as layered model, there is a number of methodologies and techniques that help you examine and define your Enterprise Architecture. Zachman [2](www.zifa.com) is often considered the industry standard and certainly provides a number of useful tools and metaphors to capture the majority of an businesses IS vision.
Business Architecture:The business processes and supporting organizational structure Application/Software Architecture:The highest-level architecture of applications that support the business processes Technology Architecture:Addressing the infrastructure that supports the applications Information/Data Architecture:Addressing the information that supports the application

Other recognized and widely used frameworks include TOGAF , which is geared to help deliver an architectual vision.

What distinguishes enterprise architecture from architecture at the business unit and product/service level,is its enterprise scope.

Where we can help you is...
	Understanding the context of EA in the organization.
	Assist in the understanding and promotion of the value and need for EA.
	Providing the ability to differentiate between EA and other architectures.
	Assistance in assessing different architecture frameworks, how best to choose an implement.
	Provide guidance, process and skills in capturing and developing an architectural framework thats right for you.
	Experience, Good to Know and Skills in the translation of Business Vision to IS delivery.

[1] MIT Center for Information Systems Research, Peter Weill, Director, as presented at the Sixth e-Business Conference, Barcelona Spain, 27 March 2007.