The concept of architecture in IT is a tricky one - many systems builders believe that all you need is a requirements specification, some standards, an infrastructure and then you simply get on with it...

They and their customers are more often than not disappointed with the outcome. The problem with this direct approach is that it lacks a reference point with the rest of the organisation within which the system will operate. What are the consequences for overlapping business processes; redundant and conflicting data; incompatible hardware and software environments?

The Enterprise Architecture is that reference point, the anchor against which all business and system requirements - existing and future - can be assessed and evaluated.

What is of little doubt is that effective information technology is fundamental to all organisations across all sectors. IT is truly at the heart of all businesses. So we need to ensure that our IT decisions are completely synchronised with common business-oriented goals. We have to move on from the old world thinking of retro-fitting business functionality into an IT strategy, towards a business-focused approach where we address a number of fundamental questions:

• What do we need for the future?
• What have we got now?
• How do we change to make our visions reality?
• How do we ensure our IT remains relevant to an evolving business?

To be successful, IT decision makers in modern business need a combination of skills that reach beyond understanding the technology, they require leadership qualities, communications skills, and critically they need to have a clear understanding of the business.

Who should read Enterprise Architecture - understanding the bigger picture?

• IS professionals involved in major systems development programmes.
• Enterprise Systems Architects involved in developing high level complex systems.
• IT Architects deriving technical solutions to business challenges.
• Business Analysts involved in business process design.
• Business Executives interested in a systematic, structured analysis of business issues.

This Guide forms part of the NCC Best Practice Guides series and is intended to be of practical use for decision makers in IT. This guidance is achieved through industry consensus, managed by NCC, across the broadest range of professionals and experts.