Can the principles of enterprise architecture be inherited from a Saas solution?

> There
> are lots of "theories" and even some packaged solutions that basically
> ignore some principles of Computer Science, to consider them as a
> possible solution to any enterprise level problem would be
> irresponsible at best.

I agree. The vendors sure do try very hard.

> However, if you're looking at specific
> implementations then you are asking the wrong question; at that level
> you are asking if one can design a building by looking at how the
> plumbing has been done in other buildings.

At that level, I don't consider it to be Enterprise Architecture. Though, it is helpful to understand the details at lower levels, to consider how this might impact upon your upstream solution.

Kind regards,
Joseph

On 13 Feb, 15:34, Peter Hunsberger wrote:

> On Fri, Feb 13, 2009 at 4:44 AM, Joseph George

> wrote:

> > IMHO, architecture is just common sense. Consequently, any principle
> > which is open, makes business sense and aligns with corporate
> > objectives, even if based on some other theory is worth considering.

> Sorry, I'm going to have to some what disagree with you here.
> Architecture is a lot more than common sense. You cannot design a sky
> scraper using common sense, you need to know something about real
> engineering principles. Similarly, you cannot design enterprise
> solutions without knowing some basic IS engineering principles. There
> are lots of "theories" and even some packaged solutions that basically
> ignore some principles of Computer Science, to consider them as a
> possible solution to any enterprise level problem would be
> irresponsible at best.

> One can debate to what degree SAAS is general set of principles vs. a
> particular mode of systems implementation. To the extent that you
> lean towards general principles then sure, consider it part of the
> architecture tool kit. However, if you're looking at specific
> implementations then you are asking the wrong question; at that level
> you are asking if one can design a building by looking at how the
> plumbing has been done in other buildings.

> --
> Peter Hunsberger

Can the principles of enterprise architecture be inherited from a Saas solution?

IMHO, architecture is just common sense. Consequently, any principle which is open, makes business sense and aligns with corporate objectives, even if based on some other theory is worth considering.

Architecture needs to consider all stacks and layers of the company in defining and maintaining the Architecture Principles. We would need to consider the ground realities in conjunction with the people who are actually doing the work, as much as, if not more than, those sit in their ivory towers. If not, our architecture wouldn't be realistic.

Continuing further, I don't expect the Achitecture Principles to be cast in stone. More so, in these days, when the ground realities are changing faster than many businesses can adapt or even cope with. The principles need to be driven by both upstream and downstream.

For example, if SaaS is acceptable to your company, then there should be some architecture principle which accepts this solution. In fact, you should already have had this principle on your list, or accept that as a gap to be rectified. If not, SaaS should not be acceptable to your company, as it would potentialy conflict with one of your principles.

Hope this makes sense...

Kind regards,
Joseph

On Feb 11, 10:28 pm, Mark Cowan wrote:

> Is it possible or even desirable to gap fill EA principles by choosing
> a solution that aligns it. For example - in looking at a particular
> Saas solution that was based on the principle of "loose
> coupling" (insert the principle of your choice here) could its
> adoption force the desired design pattern?

> The solution doesn't have to be Saas or technology - it could be
> process based as well.

> All the best,
> Mark

> First Spike
> Information Management Simplified

>http://www.firstspike.com

Response: Exam over

Exam over, Ian Marchant blog post dt 11/02/2009
...

Feedback in response to Ian's Blog

Post Title - Exam over
Date Posted - 11/02/2009
Name: Joseph George
Department: Technical Solutions
Location: Havant
Comments:

Ian,

"My answer was that I would rather employ an extra person in Customer Service than in the Press Office."

Highly commendable, Ian! I feel this is one of the things ailing our government and consequently the country today. Too many spin doctors, and not enough constructive work!

There was a time (possibly my father's generation), when people looked to the media to form their opinion. Now, most people can see right through the media reports and analysis, which more often seem to be driving politically motivated corrupt agendas.

With the advent of the internet, peer groups are highly effective in dispersing personal feedback, and no amount of spin can kill that, other than actual constructive work to remedy the situation.

Kind regards,
Joseph

From: Ian Marchant
Date: 12/02/2009 16:25
Subject: Re: Exam over
To: Joseph George

Joseph

I couldn't agree more newspapers feel they are more important than they
really are.

Ian