Are you in debt?

In the same way we have different types of financial debts, we have different technical debts.

One example is when running an unsupported version of an ERP system on unsupported infrastructure. You can’t just upgrade anymore, as it’s gone to long time since you did it before. This is a more manageable debt to pay, as your only option is to get an new updated ERP-system. E.g. tearing the house down an build a new one instead.

A much worse scenario is when you have a legacy COTS solution, with lots of custom development. A typical example is SAP R/3 where you often made additions that made it very difficult to upgrade to new versions. Here, the complexity of custom code with a COTS solution adds a lot of debt, making it much harder to repay.

The third scenario is when you are in control of you debt, or at least think you are. If you have the source code and developers, then it should be easier to manage the debt. In some ways, yes, in some ways no.

One issue is that you will be forced by the business to maintain the software forever, because you can. The other issue us that you often focus on small changes to support the business, but never have the time or resources for a architectural refactoring. The cost of replacing the old legacy compared to the current running costs is much much higher, making the business move such decisions into the future forever.

What kind of debt does your organisation have?

Searching for Oscar

What is happening to the film production business described in the EA case study?

Even the best plans could be delayed, so the first theatrical premiere is scheduled to August- September this year.

Covid had a huge negative impact on the market last two years, so we are not yet on track from a business growth perspective, therefore the plans need to be updated.

The list of all articles below

1. Enterprise architecture case study

2. Motivation and business opportunity

3. Business model canvas

4. Benefits with EA for a startup

5. Business context

6. When frameworks meets reality

7. Production of film, video and TV

8. Business activities and roles

9. Information architecture

10. Sales process remake

11. Impact from GDPR

12. Finally an IT project

13. Size matters, but …

14. GDPR risk exposure

15. Project portfolio

16. Agile, but not agile

17. Architecture, or not?

18. Tell me a secret

19. Scenarios for infrastructure

20. Top-down or bottom-up?

21. From business to IT-requirements

22. End of life

23. Product portfolio update

24. Two and a half years later

See you at the red carpet.

Boardroom EA

I’m a board member in a local utility company so the question is if EA is relevant for me in this position? 

I would say no, as we talk about business plans, investments, risks, financial results and other KPI.

However, all these things are of utterly importance for those persons in the organisation doing EA related work, regardless of their title.

Why are you working with EA?

What is the main reason for you to work with Enterprise Architecture? 

Are you more into theory and your thing is how to describe models and improve architecture thinking? You are in good company.

Or are you more like me? I see EA as a valuable toolbox to solve business and IT problems, and with a better method I’m more productive.

Third option I can think of. You have a position as Enterprise Architect and you get more glory and rewards than your previous position. 

If you think of more drivers, please comment bellow.

Across the universe

If our model for enterprise architecture is scalable, then it would scale from a small family to the whole earth and beyond. 

Most architects have been using frameworks for medium to large size organisations. I’ve done an example of how to apply EA for a small start-up, but what about the grand design of everything on earth?

Does our EA model scale above organisations and national states?

The laws of physics can’t be broken, but we as architects often are very sure of the excellence of our framework. Often more sure than the scientists.

If we can’t model the real extended enterprise, the solar system, our galaxy and the universe as we know it, then our EA model is not yet perfect. Therefore, we need to be very clear of boundaries and limitations when discussing EA.

Sit tight and access.