Background and Introduction
What is Enterprise Architecture?
Enterprise Architecture (EA) is a mechanism for planning and managing change. An Enterprise Architecture is the formal description of the structure and function of the components of an enterprise, their interrelationships, and the principles and guidelines governing their design and evolution over time (Ref: IEEE 1471). Note that ‘Components of the enterprise’ can be any element that goes to make up the enterprise and can include people, processes and physical structures as well as engineering and information systems.
Enterprise Architecture is also about managing and understanding complexity – covering how business / operational requirements are met by technical and operational capability. The term “architecture” is apt – EA is all about providing blue-prints (models) of the organisation and the systems that support it.
The Enterprise can be at any level, including from the whole MoD down to a single batallion. It defines the scope of that which is of interest to the owner/creator of the architecture and the context of the architecture defines its extent. It therefore becomes essential to define this scope; in MODAF, this would be covered in the AV-1, but it can also be useful to explicitly name the enterprise, i.e. ‘Logistics Enterprise’.
Architectures can be viewed as models which support business processes by providing a data-based representation of that business. This representation can be used inter alia: in analysis, for the articulation of issues and requirements, as a support to planning, and as a means of solution design and validation. Architectures are developed at a level of granularity that is appropriate for a given objective. Using an architecture framework, Architectures can be developed for the smallest sub-system or for an entire enterprise.
In the context of MOD, EA brings together the realms of business, information and technology to provide a blueprint which supports Departmental planning and decision making. The blueprint conveys how technology, information and resources should work together within Defence to effectively support the fulfilment of its strategic business objectives. This work is being led by DG Info in its Enterprise Architecture programme.
Page version 1.1, dated 4th April 2007