Enterprise architecture definition framework for IT service providers

Abstract

As Enterprises evolve, they invariably end up with heterogeneous IT systems. The software applications for the IT systems would have been deployed on multiple platforms and built using varied programming languages or packaged software. Customers require approaches to plan enterprise wide strategies that lead to scenarios of well integrated IT systems within their organizations. Suitable integration strategies have to be adopted to ensure that the systems which are currently available are well-integrated as well as enable future systems to be easily brought into their fold through seamless integration. In order to address customer requirements for developing enterprise architectures and also to develop strategies to maintain them, customized approaches have been adopted. This resulted in the development of an Enterprise Architecture Definition Framework that IT Service providers can apply in consulting assignments. The paper presents the best practices for enterprise architecting and integration. Two case studies have also been included in the paper to illustrate the approach, one based on a native integration framework and the other based on Enterprise-Wide Service Oriented Architecture.