Chess and the Art of Enterprise Architecture

Enterprise Architecture is the discipline of managing the complexities of theBusiness-IT landscape. It has been around since the 1980’s, when for thefirst time computers were connected in networks, and the already serious (andunsolved) problem of the complexity of computer programs for relatively simplebusiness needs turned into the huge problem of large networks of them incomplex business landscapes. In spite of many ’best practices’ and’frameworks’ that have been introduced, Enterprise Architecture is not agreat success. After thirty years, we still have the same problems. Chaos isstill everywhere. Projects still fail far too often.In this book, (hidden) assumptions behind the existing approaches toenterprise architecture are challenged, and a more realistic perspective thathelps us battle the complexities and unpredictabilities of today’sBusiness-IT landscapes is described. Practical suggestions about enterprisearchitecture governance and products, based on real-world experience with thedescribed approach, complete the book.From general management to IT professionals, everyone who is confronted withthe problem of managing Business-IT landscapes can profit from the insightsthis 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 APGAsset Management, and is now Team Coordinator Architecture & Design at APG. Heholds an M.Sc in Physics from the University of Groningen and an MBA from RSMErasmus, Rotterdam.