Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
he IA 2 line of sight consists of the following links:
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Business requirements
[IA] Architecture
[IA] Concept of operations (CONOPS)
[IA] Portfolio management (PfM)
[IA] Enterprise systems engineering (ESE)
[IA] Design
IA services/processes
IA mechanisms
Vendor selection
Product SELECTION
Implementation
Operations and maintenance (O&M)
Many steps from architecture to operations contain “[IA]” as a prefix. This
implies that IA is distinct but must be integrated into the business aspect of that
step. Business requirements drive enterprise architecture, and while there is also
an IA architecture, that IA architecture integrates with the enterprise architecture.
Likewise, there is a business CONOPS. The IA architect integrates IA with the
business CONOPS using IA 2 . Moreover, there may be an IA CONOPS that also
integrates with the business CONOPS. The following sections elaborate on each
link in the IA 2 LoS.
2.11.1
Business Requirements
Business need drives the use of technology. Business risk drives the need for IA.
Identifying the risks first requires an understanding of the business requirements.
Technical requirements also drive IA; however, those technical requirements find
root in business requirements. Moreover, a technical restriction should not redefine
the business requirement. If the business requires X, but there is no technology to
provide X, then do not redefine the business requirement. The business requirement
remains the same and the technology is put forth as a partial solution that is the
best available at the time.
Business requirements are articulated in mission statements, organizational
strategic objectives, and strategic plans. A request for proposal (RFP) is a formal
articulation of business requirements. Contracts, service level agreements, and
business plans also contain business requirements. The objective of the enterprise
architect is be holistic in terms of the organization. The enterprise architect looks at
the current requirements in context of the existing enterprise as well as the future
of the enterprise. The IA architect looks at the current business requirements to
discern the risks in context of the existing enterprise and the future enterprise.
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