Business Architecture

by Ken Orr

Business architecture is the link between business and technology, current and future — especially future. In recent years, IT has been devoted to cutting costs and people. Today IT must show how it will add value and flexibility to the organization’s structure. With global competition on the rise, companies have to adapt to rapidly changing conditions — world-class, forward-looking IT is a necessity. Business architecture is a key tool for aligning technology with current/future business goals and aligning business with current/future technology opportunities.

In this issue we'll examine business architecture, an IT issue that’s moving to the front burner in many organizations. Hear how the Wealth Management Group at Wells Fargo launched a highly successful business architecture program through a combination of BPM and “servant leadership.” Learn what attributes are required in a great business architect, whether you’re seeking the “horizontal” or “vertical” model. Discover how poorly aligned enterprise governance structures can hamper business architecture deployment — and how you can sidestep the problem by embracing collaborative governance. If you’re in the market for strategic transformation, don’t miss this issue of Cutter IT Journal.