Enterprise Architecture FAQ

General FAQ

What is the Enterprise Architecture Framework (EAF)?
The Enterprise Technology Framework is a process to manage and control technology to maximize shareholder and business value. It is composed of several tools that model and align technology initiatives to insure it meets business objectives.

Is the EAF a methodology or a philosophy?
The EAF is a methodology and a philosophy. It is a simple six step process that can integrate into any n technology framework using an organization's existing methodology or be used as a stand alone approach if no frameworks or methodologies exist. The Enterprise Architecture Framework is also a philosophy in which Information Technology Organizations (ITO) are a service providers (not only to customers, but to the business as well) and they exist to assist the business in creating maximum long-term shareholder value. In general, the EAF seeks to provide maximum value by helping the business appropriately apply and invest in technology.

What value does the EAF have for a CEO or business unit President?
The #1 top issue of IT Management (as documented by Information Week) is “Aligning IT to Corporate Goals.” Using the EAF proven approach the Business Leader can quickly understand where their IT dollars are going (down to the existing solution and on-going project level) within 90 days. It will help them determine if an investment in technology will have a positive or negative effect on their budget and most importantly, it can drive their future investments (or divestments) in their business by helping them understand the ACTUAL VALUE Information is providing.

What value does the EAF have for a CIO?
The EAF applies models and a framework to the application and infrastructure technology stack and then maps them to business objectives and goals by business function. This visual representation provides a simple understanding where your IT dollars are spent, the value it provides the business, and will help determine how future investments might (or might not) meet the overall IT Strategic direction.

What other Architecture Frameworks/Methodologies does the EAF support?
The EAF can easily integrate with Metagroup’s Enterprise Architecture, CGE&Y’s Enterprise Architecture Methodology, Gartner’s Enterprise Approach to Technology Architecture, and most home grown approaches to standardizing processes around technology.