A Definition of Enterprise Architecture

Today, I was asked, "What is enterprise architecture?" There should be a simple answer for such a simple question.

The first question that popped into my mind was, “From which point of view?” Of course, the answer to that is from the point of view of someone who knows nothing about architectural views! Some of the definitions I have read seem to blend the role of enterprise architecture with a definition of it.

In the spirit of agility, I propose a single sentence definition:

Enterprise architecture is a set of models describing the technical implementation of business strategy and processes.

Opening Post

Agile enterprise. That certainly seems like an oxymoron! If that is the case, then agile enterprise architecture must be related. Ambler has already written an essay about agile enterprise architecture but, like most of the material available about enterprise architecture, it is almost completely software-centric and it starts with the technology. Yes, he does say it's all about the people but, everything he discusses is about the technical model and it's multiplicity of views.

I propose that enterprise architecture can be agile, that it can be a tool for the business and not the techs, and that it can be lightweight and useful on almost a daily basis. It should be the technical realization of the business' overall strategy and goals complete with a set of guidelines to aid in the strategy's implementation.

Wish me luck!