Know- Before enrolling in this course, I did not know anything about Enterprise Architecture. After doing the first week's readings, it was very easy to see why such a system would be very beneficial to any organization. Coming into this week I knew that putting EA into place allows organizations to be more effective and efficient in their work. It gives organizations a larger view of their enterprise and helps them to see the current view and future view of where the enterprise is headed. By implementing EA, organizations can reduce overlap of resources and identify gaps. I also knew that there were several different EA frameworks but didn't understand the difference between them.
Want to Know- These were the questions that popped into my head when I created part 1 & 2 of my KWL chart earlier this week.
1. Who is responsible for put EA into place?
2. How big/broad does EA reach (in an educational setting)? State, district, school?
3. Can all programs and databases be applied to EA or do organizations need to adopt whole new programs that work easily with this model?
4. How do you know which EA to use? Which is the best for education?
5. Can I apply EA methodologies to my school even though it is so small?
Learned- This week I learned the following:
1. Stakeholders determine the EA framework that is to be used by identifying the needs of the organization.
2. The Zachman framework is very comprehensive and is all about looking at an organization from different "views".
3. TOGAF is the most widely adapted framework. It is strong on business and technical architecture aspects. This framework is all about the "process".
4. The majority of frameworks are abstract - you have to apply them to your organization depending on your needs.
5. TOGAF and Zachman are examples of "blueprints" for implementing EA.
6. EA can help companies to save millions of dollars- cost saving is always a factor for large enterprises.
7. EAs use common vocabulary and sets of tools.
8. EA reduces the complexity of IT infrastructure.
9. EA allows for more informed decision making.
10. Other benefits include: real time information access, standardized servies and processes, efficient transactions, more transparency, better return on investments and can address future demands and manage change.
11. I have a lot more to learn - this topic is very new to me.
Works Cited
Bernard, Scott A. An Introduction to Enterprise Architecture. Bloomington, IN: Authorhouse, 2012. Print.
"Introduction to TOGAF 9.1 Certification Training | TOGAF 9.1 Certification." YouTube. SimpliLearn, 29 July 2015. Web. 31 Jan. 2016.
Sanati, Farzad. "Enterprise Architecture Framework TOGAF." YouTube. N.p., 21 June 2014. Web. 31 Jan. 2016.
"What Is TOGAF?" YouTube. N.p., 3 Apr. 2004. Web. 31 Jan. 2016.