How service orientation can improve the flexibility of executive information systems - An architecture reworked from a business perspective

Abstract

In recent years, service orientation has been discussed as a new design paradigm promising better manageability and changeability of increasingly complex IS. This article examines their role in executive information systems (EIS) design and contributes a reworked architecture that is more flexible than the state of the art. Structured in terms of four layers strategy, organization, alignment, and IT support it uses cross-layer modeling chains that enable even drill-through analyses when needed. Mapping loosely coupled services within an alignment layer provides the necessary flexibility. Two typical changes in financial accounting and management accounting processes at a telecom company provided an opportunity to evaluate the reworked architecture. Finally, the lessons learned helped us in two ways: providing concrete starting points for integrating service orientation into EIS architecture design and arguing for the reworked architecture on hand. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.