John Critchley - Enterprise, Solution & Technical Architecture - Opinion and Insight

Understand why governance is needed before deciding on how to govern

Wed 10 Sep, 08 – 10:53 am
Compliance is a common issue for realising the benefits of Enterprise Architecture, spawning a plethora of governance frameworks and solutions that appear to tackle many of the notions of non-compliance. But has anyone spent the time to really understand why governance is required in the first place? Understanding why could ensure that the how is more effective.

Posted in Enterprise Architecture | No Comments »

Do you need an Enterprise Architecture team?

Wed 16 Apr, 08 – 3:48 pm
I received my Forrester alert this afternoon, top of which was a teleconference 'The EA Team: Size and Structure' - it got me thinking. Does every enterprise need a permanent enterprise architecture team? If you're constantly architecting something, doesn't that mean it never reaches a stable state of operation?

Posted in Enterprise Architecture | No Comments »

Common failures of solution architecture

Sun 16 Mar, 08 – 10:57 pm
Solution Architecture has a reputation for producing output that is largely engineered for function, often lacking a creative flair that would produce an aesthetically pleasing outcome. Does this mean that architecture is a balancing act? If so, what are the polarities that need to be balanced?

Posted in Solution Architecture | No Comments »

The qualities of architecture

Mon 10 Mar, 08 – 11:56 am
It doesn't take an architect to marvel at architectural wonders, such as the Sistine Chapel - the genius and creativity combined with constructive energy and skill are instantly recognisable. Similarly for technology architecture, when we experience a well-designed IT system we can feel it through all our sense. But what is the essence that separates good architecture from bad?

Posted in Solution Architecture | No Comments »