Author: Jeanne W. Ross
Publisher: Harvard Business Press
ISBN: 1591398398
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 120
Book Description
Enterprise architecture defines a firm's needs for standardized tasks, job roles, systems, infrastructure, and data in core business processes. This book explains enterprise architecture's vital role in enabling - or constraining - the execution of business strategy. It provides frameworks, case examples, and more.
Enterprise Architecture as Strategy
Author: Jeanne W. Ross
Publisher: Harvard Business Press
ISBN: 1591398398
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 120
Book Description
Enterprise architecture defines a firm's needs for standardized tasks, job roles, systems, infrastructure, and data in core business processes. This book explains enterprise architecture's vital role in enabling - or constraining - the execution of business strategy. It provides frameworks, case examples, and more.
Publisher: Harvard Business Press
ISBN: 1591398398
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 120
Book Description
Enterprise architecture defines a firm's needs for standardized tasks, job roles, systems, infrastructure, and data in core business processes. This book explains enterprise architecture's vital role in enabling - or constraining - the execution of business strategy. It provides frameworks, case examples, and more.
Chess and the Art of Enterprise Architecture
Author: Gerben Wierda
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789081984058
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 252
Book Description
Enterprise Architecture is the discipline of managing the complexities of the Business-IT landscape. It has been around since the 1980's, when for the first time computers were connected in networks, and the already serious (and unsolved) problem of the complexity of computer programs for relatively simple business needs turned into the huge problem of large networks of them in complex business landscapes. In spite of many 'best practices' and 'frameworks' that have been introduced, Enterprise Architecture is not a great success. After thirty years, we still have the same problems. Chaos is still everywhere. Projects still fail far too often. In this book, (hidden) assumptions behind the existing approaches to enterprise architecture are challenged, and a more realistic perspective that helps us battle the complexities and unpredictabilities of today's Business-IT landscapes is described. Practical suggestions about enterprise architecture governance and products, based on real-world experience with the described approach, complete the book. From general management to IT professionals, everyone who is confronted with the problem of managing Business-IT landscapes can profit from the insights this book offers. No specialist prior knowledge is required. Gerben Wierda is author of Mastering ArchiMate, and was, amongst other things, Lead Architect of the Judiciary in The Netherlands, Lead Architect of APG Asset Management, and is now Team Coordinator Architecture & Design at APG. He holds an M.Sc in Physics from the University of Groningen and an MBA from RSM Erasmus, Rotterdam.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789081984058
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 252
Book Description
Enterprise Architecture is the discipline of managing the complexities of the Business-IT landscape. It has been around since the 1980's, when for the first time computers were connected in networks, and the already serious (and unsolved) problem of the complexity of computer programs for relatively simple business needs turned into the huge problem of large networks of them in complex business landscapes. In spite of many 'best practices' and 'frameworks' that have been introduced, Enterprise Architecture is not a great success. After thirty years, we still have the same problems. Chaos is still everywhere. Projects still fail far too often. In this book, (hidden) assumptions behind the existing approaches to enterprise architecture are challenged, and a more realistic perspective that helps us battle the complexities and unpredictabilities of today's Business-IT landscapes is described. Practical suggestions about enterprise architecture governance and products, based on real-world experience with the described approach, complete the book. From general management to IT professionals, everyone who is confronted with the problem of managing Business-IT landscapes can profit from the insights this book offers. No specialist prior knowledge is required. Gerben Wierda is author of Mastering ArchiMate, and was, amongst other things, Lead Architect of the Judiciary in The Netherlands, Lead Architect of APG Asset Management, and is now Team Coordinator Architecture & Design at APG. He holds an M.Sc in Physics from the University of Groningen and an MBA from RSM Erasmus, Rotterdam.
Collaborative Enterprise Architecture
Author: Stefan Bente
Publisher: Newnes
ISBN: 0124159893
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 324
Book Description
Ever-changing business needs have prompted large companies to rethink their enterprise IT. Today, businesses must allow interaction with their customers, partners, and employees at more touch points and at a depth never thought previously. At the same time, rapid advances in information technologies, like business digitization, cloud computing, and Web 2.0, demand fundamental changes in the enterprises' management practices. These changes have a drastic effect not only on IT and business, but also on policies, processes, and people. Many companies therefore embark on enterprise-wide transformation initiatives. The role of Enterprise Architecture (EA) is to architect and supervise this transformational journey.Unfortunately, today's EA is often a ponderous and detached exercise, with most of the EA initiatives failing to create visible impact. The enterprises need an EA that is agile and responsive to business dynamics. Collaborative Enterprise Architecture provides the innovative solutions today's enterprises require, informed by real-world experiences and experts' insights. This book, in its first part, provides a systematic compendium of the current best practices in EA, analyzes current ways of doing EA, and identifies its constraints and shortcomings. In the second part, it leaves the beaten tracks of EA by introducing Lean, Agile, and Enterprise 2.0 concepts to the traditional EA methods. This blended approach to EA focuses on practical aspects, with recommendations derived from real-world experiences. A truly thought provoking and pragmatic guide to manage EA, Collaborative Enterprise Architecture effectively merges the long-term oriented top-down approach with pragmatic bottom-up thinking, and that way offers real solutions to businesses undergoing enterprise-wide change. - Covers the latest emerging technologies affecting business practice, including digitization, cloud computing, agile software development, and Web 2.0 - Focuses on the practical implementation of EAM rather than theory, with recommendations based on real-world case studies - Addresses changing business demands and practices, including Enterprise 2.0, open source, global sourcing, and more - Takes an innovative approach to EAM, merging standard top-down and pragmatic, bottom-up strategies, offering real solutions to businesses undergoing enterprise-wide changes
Publisher: Newnes
ISBN: 0124159893
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 324
Book Description
Ever-changing business needs have prompted large companies to rethink their enterprise IT. Today, businesses must allow interaction with their customers, partners, and employees at more touch points and at a depth never thought previously. At the same time, rapid advances in information technologies, like business digitization, cloud computing, and Web 2.0, demand fundamental changes in the enterprises' management practices. These changes have a drastic effect not only on IT and business, but also on policies, processes, and people. Many companies therefore embark on enterprise-wide transformation initiatives. The role of Enterprise Architecture (EA) is to architect and supervise this transformational journey.Unfortunately, today's EA is often a ponderous and detached exercise, with most of the EA initiatives failing to create visible impact. The enterprises need an EA that is agile and responsive to business dynamics. Collaborative Enterprise Architecture provides the innovative solutions today's enterprises require, informed by real-world experiences and experts' insights. This book, in its first part, provides a systematic compendium of the current best practices in EA, analyzes current ways of doing EA, and identifies its constraints and shortcomings. In the second part, it leaves the beaten tracks of EA by introducing Lean, Agile, and Enterprise 2.0 concepts to the traditional EA methods. This blended approach to EA focuses on practical aspects, with recommendations derived from real-world experiences. A truly thought provoking and pragmatic guide to manage EA, Collaborative Enterprise Architecture effectively merges the long-term oriented top-down approach with pragmatic bottom-up thinking, and that way offers real solutions to businesses undergoing enterprise-wide change. - Covers the latest emerging technologies affecting business practice, including digitization, cloud computing, agile software development, and Web 2.0 - Focuses on the practical implementation of EAM rather than theory, with recommendations based on real-world case studies - Addresses changing business demands and practices, including Enterprise 2.0, open source, global sourcing, and more - Takes an innovative approach to EAM, merging standard top-down and pragmatic, bottom-up strategies, offering real solutions to businesses undergoing enterprise-wide changes
Reaching the Pinnacle
Author: Samuel B. Holcman
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780615669878
Category : Business enterprises
Languages : en
Pages : 268
Book Description
"Reaching the Pinnacle: A Methodology of Business Understanding, Technology Planning, and Change (Implementing and Managing Enterprise Architecture)" by Samuel B. Holcman explains the detailed process of building an enterprise architecture. Samuel B. Holcman brings his strategic business plans to business and technology professionals with "Reaching the Pinnacle: A Methodology of Business Understanding, Technology Planning, and Change (Implementing and Managing Enterprise Architecture)." In order to bring a method to the madness that can often be today's business structure, Holcman uses "Reaching the Pinnacle" to introduce the process of building an enterprise architecture. Holcman uses his 40 years of experience as a leading trainer and consultant in enterprise architecture in writing "Reaching the Pinnacle." He explains enterprise architecture as the rethinking of how business planning and information technology work together in order to achieve strategic goals. "Reaching the Pinnacle" explains how an organization and its important departments can achieve their goals through a series of project initiatives. Holcman offers a simple, easy-to-understand way to implement an enterprise architecture project into one's organization. "While the approach is not quick - it may take up to a few years to transform an organization - my methodology provides an effective means for moving the organization from its as-is state to its desired state in an iterative manner," says Holcman. Holcman's methods and approach have been used by numerous Fortune 500 companies and have led him to be the top consultant on the topic. He believes the 'for practitioners, by practitioners' approach of "Reaching the Pinnacle" will make the book a crucial resource among business and technology personnel everywhere. "Reaching the Pinnacle: A Methodology of Business Understanding, Technology Planning, and Change (Implementing and Managing Enterprise Architecture)" is available for sale online at Amazon.com, directly from the author at www.PinnacleBusGrp.com, and other channels. REVIEW COPIES AND INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780615669878
Category : Business enterprises
Languages : en
Pages : 268
Book Description
"Reaching the Pinnacle: A Methodology of Business Understanding, Technology Planning, and Change (Implementing and Managing Enterprise Architecture)" by Samuel B. Holcman explains the detailed process of building an enterprise architecture. Samuel B. Holcman brings his strategic business plans to business and technology professionals with "Reaching the Pinnacle: A Methodology of Business Understanding, Technology Planning, and Change (Implementing and Managing Enterprise Architecture)." In order to bring a method to the madness that can often be today's business structure, Holcman uses "Reaching the Pinnacle" to introduce the process of building an enterprise architecture. Holcman uses his 40 years of experience as a leading trainer and consultant in enterprise architecture in writing "Reaching the Pinnacle." He explains enterprise architecture as the rethinking of how business planning and information technology work together in order to achieve strategic goals. "Reaching the Pinnacle" explains how an organization and its important departments can achieve their goals through a series of project initiatives. Holcman offers a simple, easy-to-understand way to implement an enterprise architecture project into one's organization. "While the approach is not quick - it may take up to a few years to transform an organization - my methodology provides an effective means for moving the organization from its as-is state to its desired state in an iterative manner," says Holcman. Holcman's methods and approach have been used by numerous Fortune 500 companies and have led him to be the top consultant on the topic. He believes the 'for practitioners, by practitioners' approach of "Reaching the Pinnacle" will make the book a crucial resource among business and technology personnel everywhere. "Reaching the Pinnacle: A Methodology of Business Understanding, Technology Planning, and Change (Implementing and Managing Enterprise Architecture)" is available for sale online at Amazon.com, directly from the author at www.PinnacleBusGrp.com, and other channels. REVIEW COPIES AND INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE
Building an Enterprise Architecture Practice
Author: Martin van den Berg
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402056060
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 213
Book Description
This book provides practical advice on how to develop an enterprise architecture practice. The authors developed different tools and models to support organizations in implementing and professionalizing an enterprise architecture function. Coverage applies these tools and models to a number of different organizations and, as a result, will help readers avoid potential pitfalls and achieve success with enterprise architecture.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402056060
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 213
Book Description
This book provides practical advice on how to develop an enterprise architecture practice. The authors developed different tools and models to support organizations in implementing and professionalizing an enterprise architecture function. Coverage applies these tools and models to a number of different organizations and, as a result, will help readers avoid potential pitfalls and achieve success with enterprise architecture.
Enterprise Architecture Function
Author: Ingo Arnold
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030845893
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 537
Book Description
This book provides a method to plan, develop, validate, or evolve the design of an enterprise architecture function so that it fully meets the organization’s needs. The reader will benefit from this book in two ways. First, it provides a structured overview and orientation to the subject of architecture from an architecture function perspective. Second, it guides through the process of planning, building, and operating your own architecture organization based on a generic architecture function blueprint presented in the form of a pattern language offering a structured means for navigating, contextualizing, combining, and composing the architecture function patterns. The book is structured in six chapters. Chapter 1 “Introduction” explains the starting position and objectives of the book and introduces key concepts that will be explained further in subsequent chapters. Chapter 2 “Architecture Function Pattern Language” introduces the concepts of pattern, pattern catalogue, pattern topology, and ontology and explains how these concepts are combined to form a pattern language for planning, designing, and operating an architecture function. Next, Chapter 3 “Architecture Function – Context“ introduces concepts that are crucial for understanding the challenges that an architecture function faces and presents a generic schema for the business organizations and value chain. Chapter 4 “Architecture Function – Challenge” looks at an architecture function from a black box perspective and outlines the expectations and requirements that companies place on architecture organizations. It discusses the building blocks of an architecture function, the services it provides along the enterprise value chain, and the quality attributes that enterprises expect from their functions. Chapter 5 “Architecture Function – Constitution” then shifts from a black-box perspective to a white-box perspective and outlines the generic design of an architecture function in order to realize functional and quality-related requirements. Chapter 6 “Pattern Catalogue“ eventually introduces the pattern catalogue with a total of 48 architecture function patterns. These patterns suggest designs for collaboration between the architecture function and enterprise organizations, for the elaboration and development of enterprise services along the enterprise value chain, or for aligning architecture governance with enterprise governance. The book is intended for a broad readership, including enterprise, domain, and solution architects, lecturers and students, and anyone else interested in understanding the value proposition, responsibilities, outcomes, methods, and practices of architecture functions. It introduces the basic concepts and theories needed to understand the pattern language presented and the patterns it summarizes.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030845893
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 537
Book Description
This book provides a method to plan, develop, validate, or evolve the design of an enterprise architecture function so that it fully meets the organization’s needs. The reader will benefit from this book in two ways. First, it provides a structured overview and orientation to the subject of architecture from an architecture function perspective. Second, it guides through the process of planning, building, and operating your own architecture organization based on a generic architecture function blueprint presented in the form of a pattern language offering a structured means for navigating, contextualizing, combining, and composing the architecture function patterns. The book is structured in six chapters. Chapter 1 “Introduction” explains the starting position and objectives of the book and introduces key concepts that will be explained further in subsequent chapters. Chapter 2 “Architecture Function Pattern Language” introduces the concepts of pattern, pattern catalogue, pattern topology, and ontology and explains how these concepts are combined to form a pattern language for planning, designing, and operating an architecture function. Next, Chapter 3 “Architecture Function – Context“ introduces concepts that are crucial for understanding the challenges that an architecture function faces and presents a generic schema for the business organizations and value chain. Chapter 4 “Architecture Function – Challenge” looks at an architecture function from a black box perspective and outlines the expectations and requirements that companies place on architecture organizations. It discusses the building blocks of an architecture function, the services it provides along the enterprise value chain, and the quality attributes that enterprises expect from their functions. Chapter 5 “Architecture Function – Constitution” then shifts from a black-box perspective to a white-box perspective and outlines the generic design of an architecture function in order to realize functional and quality-related requirements. Chapter 6 “Pattern Catalogue“ eventually introduces the pattern catalogue with a total of 48 architecture function patterns. These patterns suggest designs for collaboration between the architecture function and enterprise organizations, for the elaboration and development of enterprise services along the enterprise value chain, or for aligning architecture governance with enterprise governance. The book is intended for a broad readership, including enterprise, domain, and solution architects, lecturers and students, and anyone else interested in understanding the value proposition, responsibilities, outcomes, methods, and practices of architecture functions. It introduces the basic concepts and theories needed to understand the pattern language presented and the patterns it summarizes.
Enterprise Architecture Using the Zachman Framework
Author: Carol O'Rourke
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 756
Book Description
Introduces the concept of Enterprise Architecture, using the Framework developed by John Zachman, to business and MIS students and professionals. - Amazon.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 756
Book Description
Introduces the concept of Enterprise Architecture, using the Framework developed by John Zachman, to business and MIS students and professionals. - Amazon.
An Introduction to Holistic Enterprise Architecture
Author: Scott A. Bernard
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1728358043
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 335
Book Description
This is the only book on holistic (organization-wide) enterprise architecture (EA) that integrates strategic, business, and technology planning. The approach includes detailed information on EA governance, implementation, and use, including an example case study, a new chapter on solution architecture methods, and a new chapter on the use of EA to support organizational restructuring as part of mergers and acquisitions. Written in plain language, this book is recommended for executives, managers, and staff in large, complex public and private sector organizations that are too silo’d and/or have highly dynamic operating environments. No prior knowledge on the subject is needed.
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1728358043
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 335
Book Description
This is the only book on holistic (organization-wide) enterprise architecture (EA) that integrates strategic, business, and technology planning. The approach includes detailed information on EA governance, implementation, and use, including an example case study, a new chapter on solution architecture methods, and a new chapter on the use of EA to support organizational restructuring as part of mergers and acquisitions. Written in plain language, this book is recommended for executives, managers, and staff in large, complex public and private sector organizations that are too silo’d and/or have highly dynamic operating environments. No prior knowledge on the subject is needed.
A Modern Enterprise Architecture Approach
Author: Dr Mehmet Yildiz
Publisher: Steps Publishing Australia
ISBN:
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 220
Book Description
The revised version of this book to provide essential guidance, compelling ideas, and unique ways to Enterprise Architects so that they can successfully perform complex enterprise modernisation initiatives transforming from chaos to coherence. This is not an ordinary theory book describing Enterprise Architecture in detail. There are myriad of books on the market and in libraries discussing details of enterprise architecture. My aim here is to highlight success factors and reflect lessons learnt from the field within enterprise modernisation and transformation context. As a practising Senior Enterprise Architect, myself, I read hundreds of those books and articles to learn different views. They have been valuable to me to establish my foundations in the earlier phase of my profession. However, what is missing now is a concise guidance book showing Enterprise Architects the novel approaches, insights from the real-life experience and experimentations, and pointing out the differentiating technologies for enterprise modernisation. If only there were such a guide when I started engaging in modernisation and transformation programs. The biggest lesson learned is the business outcome of the enterprise modernisation. What genuinely matters for business is the return on investment of the enterprise architecture and its monetising capabilities. The rest is the theory because nowadays sponsoring executives, due to economic climate, have no interest, attention, or tolerance for non-profitable ventures. I am sorry for disappointing some idealistic Enterprise Architects, but with due respect, it is the reality, and we cannot change it. This book deals with reality rather than theoretical perfection. Anyone against this view on this climate must be coming from another planet. In this concise, uncluttered and easy-to-read book, I attempt to show the significant pain points and valuable considerations for enterprise modernisation using a structured approach and a simple narration especially considering my audience from non-English speaking backgrounds. The architectural rigour is still essential. We cannot compromise the rigour aiming to the quality of products and services as a target outcome. However, there must be a delicate balance among architectural rigour, business value, and speed to the market. I applied this pragmatic approach to multiple substantial transformation initiatives and complex modernisations programs. The key point is using an incrementally progressing iterative approach to every aspect of modernisation initiatives, including people, processes, tools, and technologies as a whole. Starting with a high-level view of enterprise architecture to set the context, I provided a dozen of distinct chapters to point out and elaborate on the factors which can make a real difference in dealing with complexity and producing excellent modernisation initiatives. As eminent leaders, Enterprise Architects are the critical talents who can undertake this massive mission using their people and technology skills, in addition to many critical attributes such as calm and composed approach. Let's keep in mind that as Enterprise Architects, we are architects, not firefighters! I have full confidence that this book can provide valuable insights and some 'aha' moments for talented architects like yourself to tackle this enormous mission of turning chaos to coherence.
Publisher: Steps Publishing Australia
ISBN:
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 220
Book Description
The revised version of this book to provide essential guidance, compelling ideas, and unique ways to Enterprise Architects so that they can successfully perform complex enterprise modernisation initiatives transforming from chaos to coherence. This is not an ordinary theory book describing Enterprise Architecture in detail. There are myriad of books on the market and in libraries discussing details of enterprise architecture. My aim here is to highlight success factors and reflect lessons learnt from the field within enterprise modernisation and transformation context. As a practising Senior Enterprise Architect, myself, I read hundreds of those books and articles to learn different views. They have been valuable to me to establish my foundations in the earlier phase of my profession. However, what is missing now is a concise guidance book showing Enterprise Architects the novel approaches, insights from the real-life experience and experimentations, and pointing out the differentiating technologies for enterprise modernisation. If only there were such a guide when I started engaging in modernisation and transformation programs. The biggest lesson learned is the business outcome of the enterprise modernisation. What genuinely matters for business is the return on investment of the enterprise architecture and its monetising capabilities. The rest is the theory because nowadays sponsoring executives, due to economic climate, have no interest, attention, or tolerance for non-profitable ventures. I am sorry for disappointing some idealistic Enterprise Architects, but with due respect, it is the reality, and we cannot change it. This book deals with reality rather than theoretical perfection. Anyone against this view on this climate must be coming from another planet. In this concise, uncluttered and easy-to-read book, I attempt to show the significant pain points and valuable considerations for enterprise modernisation using a structured approach and a simple narration especially considering my audience from non-English speaking backgrounds. The architectural rigour is still essential. We cannot compromise the rigour aiming to the quality of products and services as a target outcome. However, there must be a delicate balance among architectural rigour, business value, and speed to the market. I applied this pragmatic approach to multiple substantial transformation initiatives and complex modernisations programs. The key point is using an incrementally progressing iterative approach to every aspect of modernisation initiatives, including people, processes, tools, and technologies as a whole. Starting with a high-level view of enterprise architecture to set the context, I provided a dozen of distinct chapters to point out and elaborate on the factors which can make a real difference in dealing with complexity and producing excellent modernisation initiatives. As eminent leaders, Enterprise Architects are the critical talents who can undertake this massive mission using their people and technology skills, in addition to many critical attributes such as calm and composed approach. Let's keep in mind that as Enterprise Architects, we are architects, not firefighters! I have full confidence that this book can provide valuable insights and some 'aha' moments for talented architects like yourself to tackle this enormous mission of turning chaos to coherence.
Enterprise Architecture
Author: Martin Op't Land
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3540852328
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 154
Book Description
This book is positioned as a rst in a series of books on enterprise architecture needed for a Master of Enterprise Architecture program, and is targeted both at university students and practitioners with a drive to increase their understanding of these elds. As an introductory book, this book aims to explore the concept of enterprise architecture. At rst glance, writing such an introductory book might seem as a straight forward task of setting up a structure and lling in “the blanks. ” However, writing this book turned out to be a pleasant journey of discovery. Based on our past experiences, each of us had a clear understanding of enterprise architecture, based on several years of experience and insight in the eld. However, when we started writing this book, and each of us exposed our individual understandings, it became apparent that our understanding of the eld differed in several ways. This prompted several discussions leading to an abundance of new insights. Without exception, thesediscussionstookplaceina pleasantandopenatmosphere,fueledbyourshared driveforunderstandingandincreasedinsight. Wearenowevenmoreconvincedthan before, that the eld enterprise architecture is a true multi-disciplinary profession. In the resulting book, we would like to share our insights, while also hoping to continue our discussions, now also involving you as a reader. We also realise that the journey is still far from complete. While this introductory book provides an overview of the eld of enterprise architecture from the perspective of our insights, many aspects need further re nement.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3540852328
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 154
Book Description
This book is positioned as a rst in a series of books on enterprise architecture needed for a Master of Enterprise Architecture program, and is targeted both at university students and practitioners with a drive to increase their understanding of these elds. As an introductory book, this book aims to explore the concept of enterprise architecture. At rst glance, writing such an introductory book might seem as a straight forward task of setting up a structure and lling in “the blanks. ” However, writing this book turned out to be a pleasant journey of discovery. Based on our past experiences, each of us had a clear understanding of enterprise architecture, based on several years of experience and insight in the eld. However, when we started writing this book, and each of us exposed our individual understandings, it became apparent that our understanding of the eld differed in several ways. This prompted several discussions leading to an abundance of new insights. Without exception, thesediscussionstookplaceina pleasantandopenatmosphere,fueledbyourshared driveforunderstandingandincreasedinsight. Wearenowevenmoreconvincedthan before, that the eld enterprise architecture is a true multi-disciplinary profession. In the resulting book, we would like to share our insights, while also hoping to continue our discussions, now also involving you as a reader. We also realise that the journey is still far from complete. While this introductory book provides an overview of the eld of enterprise architecture from the perspective of our insights, many aspects need further re nement.