Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
terms of a body of reference guides and compliance checklists, this
framework enjoys steady growth in the body of documentation and
research provided by its parent organization.
• The North American State CIO Enterprise Architecture
( NASCIO).
An emerging leader in enterprise architectural planning,
this model is developed by the National Association of State Chief
Information Officers (NASCIO), which is composed of representa-
tives of the 50 state CIOs. Coupling well with other models, this
model has broad applicability throughout both commercial off-the-
shelf and open-source enterprise environments. Because it is derived
from ongoing state-level CIO efforts, this framework remains a living
body of data.
Tip:
As with governance methodologies, elements from the formal frame-
works can be combined in order to better meet the needs of each enter-
prise's unique setting. As an example, the State of Michigan makes use of
elements from both the Gartner and NASCIO frameworks in the con-
tinuing development of its Strategic Plan, with very positive results to
show from this effort.
Many mappings exist between the various enterprise framework
models to better allow translation and combination of their useful ele-
ments. With attention to potential source bias, they can serve as an
invaluable resource when attempting to identify boundaries within an
unplanned ad-hoc enterprise seeking focus.
Project and Program Management
A common fallacy encountered in many organizations is the idea that
technology must drive business and operational mandates. Business
goals must always drive the logical decision making that produces a
technological outcome, or the technology will become an end unto itself
rather than a means to facilitate business operations. Aligning these
requirements is the most important task to be managed by chief archi-
tects as they develop their vision and then implement it into real-world
elements. Beyond documenting requirements and technology solutions,
