Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 4
Finding Value
In This Chapter
• Applying the Pareto principle
• Identifying common expectations of enterprise architecture projects
• Planning for risk management
• Considerations for planned technology retirement
An old Jamaican saying goes: “New broom sweeps clean, but old broom
knows the corners.” An enterprise architect charged with re-conceptualiz-
ing an existing infrastructure might do well to remember this adage. It is
very easy to imagine sweeping aside all that exists in favor of a nice, clean,
uncomplicated solution that perfectly embodies the architect's vision. How-
ever, hidden value might be lurking within the existing state, and an overly
zealous effort to get rid of everything old could easily discard this value as
well. It is important to ensure that sunk costs do not become a deciding
factor for future purchases and strategies, but whenever cost recovery is an
option, care should be taken to conserve as much value as possible.
Technology modernization and network rationalization efforts fre-
quently require rip-and-replace changes, but it is important to identify
reusable components and technologies for salvage and transfer to the
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