Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1
The Impact of
Enterprise Architecture
In This Chapter
• An introduction to the concept of enterprise architecture
• An examination of the opportunity costs and ripple effects of deci-
sions made in an enterprise setting
• Considerations for the inclusion of open sources, open standards,
and commercial elements in an enterprise network
A house built on unsteady footing will be forever under repair, and the
same is true for technology implementations. Information technology has
extended into almost every area of business and operational coordination,
becoming the glue that holds the modern world together. When an infor-
mation technology choice is made, the effect of that choice ripples out
like the ring of water around a stone dropped into a pond. Poor planning
can lead to many problems immediately and for years to come. Decisions
made alone, without consideration of the impact each decision may have
on other aspects of the overall enterprise, can create turmoil.
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