Enterprise architecture and strategic planning in modern organizations

All modern large-scale organizations depend on information technology to cope with their information and data storage needs. However, information systems have to function within the larger business goals and strategies of the organization. Information technology systems and business enterprise have to run parallel and complement each other. Enterprise architecture and strategic planning ensures that information systems do not operate in a vacuum.

Enterprise architecture is the description of a company's organization processes, information processes and personnel and other organizational subunits aligned with the organization's core goals and strategies. Thus it encompasses business architecture as well as information technology architecture among other things. One example of this is the Zachman Framework.

It is directly concerned with the process of business optimization and performance management. The reason this profession is gaining importance is because they make sure business strategy and information systems go hand in hand.

Enterprise architecture, defined thus, concerns itself with the strategic implementation of a company's business goals. The graphic description of an organization helps in identifying what work is done and the business processes within which they are implemented.

Information Technology Architecture: integral part of business strategy

Every large-scale organization employs information technology for its data storage and solution needs. Information technology architecture is like a document explaining how a company's IT and other information elements work towards achieving and implementing its goals and objectives. The specific areas addressed by systems architecture are business processes, data sets and information applications and software and technology. It helps in defining how changes in technology can be implemented within the overarching business goals.

Information systems architecture is an integral part of enterprise architecture and strategic planning. A technical blueprint of the company, when aligned with the business components, helps in processing and sharing relevant information across the board. It helps companies to respond to changes in business and technology quickly and also helps reducing costs because of economies of scale and sharing of resources.

It makes sound business sense to go for a technical architecture and align it with enterprise architecture. It helps in adapting to changes much faster and in responding to clients' needs efficiently.