Overview

Enterprise architecture (EA) is a constantly evolving discipline at the center of the relationships between information technology/information management (IT/IM) organizations and the business areas they support.  Whether at a Department, Agency, or Operating Unit level, EA Programs are often asked to bridge the gap between business and IT/IM and provide information to support strategic planning and investment decision-making.  Most recently, catch-phrases like “Operationalizing EA”, “Putting EA into Action”, and “A Focus on Results” have emerged and been embraced as core principles of EA Programs to help emphasize this role.  While some progress has been made in the last several years, there is overwhelming evidence that EA Programs are continuing to struggle with both the strategic and tactical challenges associated with effectively realizing their full potential.