(Length: 2 pages)

Executive Summary (This is a document excerpt)

The enterprise architecture (EA) group is a staff function; it is not directly involved with either production operations or solution delivery to the business. However, EA provides a critical element in harnessing the value from IT, so IT's goals and the need for the "forward look" that EA provides end up determining the optimal size of the EA group. When deciding the staffing level for an EA group, start with the size of the IT organization and a ratio of EA staff to IT staff. Modify this ratio based upon the structure of IT, the goals of EA, and the dynamics of the organization.