Brief: The "Systems Of X" Concept Drives Architecture Zoning

At large enterprises, enterprise architecture (EA) leaders and their sponsors too often strive for "one EA": a single approach to the standardization, governance, and guiding principles of enterprise architecture applied to all parts of the business. However, in the age of the customer, the business must transform its technology to meet its goal of winning, serving, and retaining customers. This transformation, exemplified by the shift toward systems of engagement, is challenging how EA operates. One EA is no longer feasible — and architecture leaders who don't adapt their approach will be swimming against the current. This brief explains how enterprise architects should apply the practice of architecting in zones to accustom themselves with the differing goals, pace of change, and solution development methodologies that various "systems of X" incorporate.