Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
provided, requiring the architect to practice more than simple tech-
nology selection in order to be a success.
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Program management.
Strong project and program management
skills are vital to ensure that all phases of architectural reconstruction
are handled in an efficient manner using well-defined strategies. In
addition to maintaining technology operations, which many former
IT managers are more than capable of continuing, the enterprise
architect must manage numerous projects simultaneously to control
costs and ensure that activities on the critical path are addressed
ahead of activities with flex remaining. It is far too easy to seek
“easy” projects to illustrate ongoing success to sponsors, but this can
lead to missed deadlines and cost overruns when those easy projects
are not ones that must be completed first to maintain overall project
and program timelines.
The Chief Architect
A CIO/chief architect must be able to perform equally well in the busi-
ness and technology arenas. It is here that the ability to identify busi-
ness needs and shareholder expectations of value is essential in order to
later convey the purpose and benefits resulting from enterprise architec-
tural deliverables. Identifying opportunities to improve the organization
through productivity, efficiency, or asset gains is as important as identify-
ing inefficient architectures, poor buying models, and outdated solutions
currently in place.
Providing a Plan
The chief architect must be able to identify the purpose of information
technology solutions, align them with business requirements, and com-
municate their value to both technical implementers as well as nontech-
nical stakeholders. Subordinate IT professionals at times may want to
try out new solutions that have no applicability to the current business
environment—distinguishing new business opportunities from expensive
toys is a valuable skill for the chief architect. The chief architect must
be willing to simply say “no” to nonproductive projects and inefficient
