Complicated Enterprise Architecture - Essay Example

? EA Framework Introduction Enterprise architecture is the integration of business activities in an organization with information technology systems. This is done to better the operations of the organization by improving the flow of data. Data management is the most essential part of any organization and it determines whether the organization will be successful in its operations or if it will fail. In the implementation of enterprise architecture, various factors are considered before the full employment of the system. The implementation of the enterprise architecture systems is done by using various frameworks (Bernard, 2005). These frameworks are determined by the various needs of the organizations. These needs depend on the complexity of the organizations operations and the amount of data traffic that they experience. The frameworks have different components, which make up their basic operations. These components include, the views, the methods and the training involved. The two most common frameworks employed are, The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) and the Zachman Institute for Framework Architecture (ZIFA). In this paper, the discussion will focus on TOGAF. The Open Group Architecture Framework The TOGAF is a framework that is commonly used in organizations that are developing the enterprise architecture for their internal use. This framework provides an approach to planning, designing and implementation of the enterprise architecture that is very holistic. The TOGAF is a trademark registered by the Open Group in the United States of America and in other countries of the world as well (Bernard, 2005). Its basic structure is based on the notions of modularization and standardization. The methodologies and technologies used in its design are ones that have been existing and been duly tested and proven. The framework is comprised of three main components that make up its structure. The first one is the Architecture Development Method. This component is used to determine the type of enterprise architecture that will be implemented in the organization. It derives this based on the operations of that organization. The second component is the TOGAF Enterprise Continuum. This component illustrates how the different architecture is developed from their foundation and through all the different models according to their functions. The third component is the TOGAF resource base; this provides the tools necessary for the application of TOGAF. The resource base provides the techniques based on the requirements of the business or on the type of the business (Ross, 2006). The Architecture Development Method forms the core of TOGAF and it has been specifically designed to tackle the organizations business needs and information systems needs, as well. The TOGAF, as all other frameworks has its strengths and weaknesses. Its strengths appeal to the users and make it a better choice compared to the others. It has weaknesses in other areas but with the continuing development, these weaknesses are looking to be eliminated or reduced to a minimum. One of the strengths of TOGAF is that it performs the process of designing the systems in blocks. This is easy because, when development takes place in block or modules it makes it easier to manage errors, because it is easy to locate them. The development of these blocks can also take place simultaneously, making it time efficient. Development using modules also improves re usability because; common modules can be reused in familiar systems. The framework also provides information on how these blocks interact and fit together. This makes it easier for all the entities involved to understand the system, and how it works. Another strength is that, the TOGAF develops a common vocabulary that is used in all that stages of development of the framework (Ross, 2006). The use of a common vocabulary makes the process of designing easier for all the parties involved and it improves communication. The framework also has a list of all the standards that are to be observed in the application of the enterprise architecture. The use of standards makes it portable and it can be used in a multi-platform environment. Portability is an essential feature of the framework, and it saves on this cost of implementation. The framework also contains a set of meticulously prepared set of methods that provides guidelines for the implementation of the enterprise architecture. This eases the training involved during the architecture application. A major weakness of the framework stems from it basic structure, this is in the concept of modularization. When development takes place using modularization, when one if the modules fails to perform efficiently, it affects the performance of the whole framework. The TOGAF framework has some basic principles that are the basis of it operation; these principles mainly focus on architecture (Grigoriu, 2008). The architecture is broken down into four aspects. The business architecture deals with the business function of the organization. The framework focuses on these activities and how they are integrated into the system. The data architecture focuses on the data and information that is exchanged within the enterprise, this architecture manages the flow of information and data and it security within the organization. It also creates a connection of the integration of all the different data sets in the organization. The technology architecture is mainly focused on the type of technology used in the implementation of the system. To keep up with the trends and the market pace, the organization needs to have the latest technology. This will even improve the performance of its functions. The framework also has some concepts that are geared towards improved functionality and reduction of costs. Partitioning divides the architecture into different levels that make it easier to manage. This also reduces cost and complexity of the system (Grigoriu, 2008). The architecture repository is another concept that provides logical information about the model that has been implemented. Logical information helps show the structure of the system. The capability framework provides a more structured definition of the system. This defines all the responsibilities, tasks, roles and duties to be performed by the enterprise architecture system. It shows the capability of the framework Conclusion The Open Group Architecture Framework operates on the concept of modularization, which is very cost effective. It is the appropriate framework to be applied, in organizations that are looking to simplify their operations. Due to the simplicity of the framework, it implications according to cost are highly reduced. This makes it a preferred choice especially in upcoming businesses. The TOGAF is an effective way of implementing the Enterprise Architecture Information System. References Grigoriu, A. (2008). An Enterprise Architecture Development Framework. Bloomington: Trafford Publishing. Ross, W, J. (2006). Enterprise Architecture as Strategy: Creating a Foundation for Business Execution. Harvard: Harvard Business Review Press. Bernard, S. (2005). An Introduction to Enterprise Architecture. Bloomington: Author House. . Read More