The Role of Architecture in the Modern Organisation

Managing Complexity

One of the key functions of ‘architecture’ as a tool of the modern business is to provide a framework within which complexity can be managed successfully.  As the size and complexity of a project grows, many designers and design influences must all work as a team to create something that has the appearance of being designed by a single ‘design authority’.

As the complexity of the business environment grows so many business processes and support functions must all integrate seamlessly to provide effective services and management to the business, its customers and its partners.

Architecture provides a means to manage that complexity.

Providing a Framework & Road Map

Architecture also acts as a road map for a collection of smaller projects and services that must be integrated into a single homogenous whole.  It provides a framework within which many members of large design, delivery, and support teams can work harmoniously, and toward which tactical projects can be migrated.

Simplicity & Clarity through Layering & Modularisation

In the same way that conventional architecture defines the rules and standards for the design and construction of buildings, information systems architecture addresses these same issues for the design and construction of computers, communications networks and the distributed business systems that are required for the delivery of business services.

As with the conventional architecture of buildings, towns and cities, information systems architecture must therefore take account of:

• The goals that are to be achieved through the systems;
• The environment in which the systems will be built and used;
• The technical capabilities of the people to construct and operate the systems and their component sub-systems.

Business Focus beyond the Technical Domain

Information systems architecture is concerned with much more than mere technical factors.  It is concerned with what the enterprise wants to achieve and with the environmental factors that will influence those achievements.

In some organisations this broad view of information systems architecture is not well understood.  Technical factors are often the main ones that influence the architecture, and under these conditions the architecture can fail to deliver what the business expects and needs.