This is the classic competition that occurs in every area. How fast do you run 100 meters? How high and how long do you jump? How good are you in architecture?

Without comparison and measurement, sometimes in competition with others, we have a hard time to evaluate our performance and our progress.

The value of Enterprise Architecture is zero, if you have an enterprise that exists in a complete static environment, without any need for improvement. The value of architecture is also minimal if the size of your business is small. 

If you ask five persons, “What is Enterprise Architecture”, will you probably get five different answers depending on their background. My answer is that Enterprise Architecture is a way to support changes of Enterprises.

The main reason for Enterprise Architecture is the Changing Enterprise. The environment the Enterprise exists in evolves and puts new demands on the existing organization. Enterprise Architecture is about mastering changes in a predictable manner.

First of all, lets conclude that running a larger program without architecture guiding or reviews is a proven recipe for failure. It's like building a large housing complex with many apartments without a blue-print. Just putting together carpenters and other craftsmen does't work.