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Enterprise Architecture Rant #4,892

March 14, 2011 By brenda michelson

Last week was primarily about Cloud Connect for me.  However, I did fit in a few other things, including a short rant inspired by enterprise architecture pundits.

As you all know, I believe in the value of enterprise architecture, and even more strongly, I recognize the unique talents and contributions of real-world (‘street-smart’) enterprise architects.

At the same time, I’m increasingly concerned about the macro-direction of our field, as we continue to suffer ivory tower enterprise architecture punditry, rigid frameworks and endless philosophical waxing.

A couple of weeks ago, I attempted to inject a little action / purpose / outcome orientation in the enterprise architecture conversation with the following tweet:

“Today’s word for Enterprise Architects: Utilitarian [u-til-i-tar-i-an]: designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive. #entarch“

Well, as you might expect, I got nit-picked parsed.  That architecture by definition is attractive.  [Aargh!]  My intended point was “useful or practical”.  Not easily defeated, I restated as follows:

“better stated, i think every #entarch needs to have a utilitarian perspective”

If you can’t answer “what is the purpose?”, that is an early warning indicator of folly, or worse.  This “utilitarian” aspect is something I find myself circling back to more and more, especially in my work on business architecture.

Anyway, on Friday, after witnessing yet another definitional discussion on enterprise architecture, I tried to inject the utilitarian perspective again with the following on twitter:

“Ok, last time: It’s not what enterprise architecture IS that matters. It’s what enterprise architecture DOES that matters. #entarch“

This “pithy” missive hit the mark with real-world enterprise architects and pundits alike.

So remember, next time someone tries to drag you down a “what & how” conversation on enterprise architecture, steer them to “why & outcomes“.  It’ll be more productive, in the moment, and for your long-term practice.

 

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Filed Under: business architecture, enterprise architecture Tagged With: #ruckus, entarch

Brenda M. Michelson

Brenda Michelson

Technology Architect.

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