Demystifying EA Programs

Enterprise architects must advance a strategic, enterprisewide agenda in the context of siloed interests and a "show me the money" attitude toward the business value of projects. The going is never easy, but leading enterprises build upon executive support with carefully crafted organizations and processes that nudge the enterprise toward strategic goals, one tactical decision at a time. The key to success is keeping one eye on the architecture itself and one eye on politics and business goals to ensure that the program delivers tangible and visible value. When facing such challenges, enterprise architects have a number of common questions about setting up and managing enterprise architecture (EA) programs, which we answer herein.