Friday, March 30, 2007

Old for New

So, as I settle into my new role, I realise that along with the tag of "one of the UK's oldest companies" comes "some of the uk's oldest technology"! At some stage within this organisation, there was (probably) a rather unspectacular falling out between the Business and IT. The fall out from this situation was a proliferation of point solutions, procured by business users wanting automation and supported by IT people wanting to be left alone (to sulk).

The sheer volume of Access databases (actually, I came across five critical line of business apps running on FoxPro ver 2.6b, non-networked, users share data via floppy disks!! For you youngsters, they're like CD's or DVD's but smaller and less shiney!) and cheap , unreliable custom apps, developed by Chuck in Dallas, prevents anyone from thinking about a refresh strategy simply because no-one wants to have a 5 year long headache (and that's just from considering the data migration strategy).

When we look at the lack of adoption of TRUE Enterprise Architecture (i.e. a representation of a business combined with a realisation of technology produced by the business and owned by the business, NOT a bunch of documents and processes written by Mister Anonymous and owned by Mister Nobody) it is easy to see why, with so many wrongs to right within the technology estate of a large organisation, EA is either overlooked ("we have a 38 year old mainframe application which runs our core line of business functions! We need to replace that, not draw pretty pictures of what we all know!") or seen as "nice to have" ("Yes Archie, we can see you have a point but the Head of IT and the CEO are meeting to discuss outsourcing all support functions and I'm not sure they will want to see your pretty pictures!"). Cynical I know, but this is the crux of the issue. EA is owned by the business! Managed carefully and invested properly, it quickly becomes the realisation of a business strategy. All the technology headaches are eased by having a clear business model / case from which to build systems and solutions.

There is another twist to this folly that has emerged; the proliferation (ooo, twice in one posting) of consultancies who have risen to explain the complex phenomenon that is EA! We now have so many methodologies that it is almost like starting over! You would think that these consultancies have smelt the cash to be made out of confusion and complexity.

Without the slightest hint of cynicism, I say:

Surely not!

45 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thia is good article The fall out from this situation was a proliferation of point solutions, procured by business users wanting automation and supported by IT people wanting to be left alone. If you are interesting visit the site business strategy

11:02 PM  
Blogger Firebrand Architect® said...

Excellent post. I especially relate to coming across production grade systems, usually run by a person or two, that support critical parts of an enterprise. These systems and resources are strained as they are, and usually at a breaking point, because they were built as opportunistic applications. The architecture for an opportunistic project is that of a throw away prototype. Too bad so few EA plans allow for smooth transition from as-is to to-be.

3:54 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well said !!! "TRUE Enterprise Architecture ".

Technology must be realised in terms of respresenting the business.

11:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The SEI Architecture Technology User Network (SATURN) Conference is held every year to bring together experts from around the world to exchange best practices in developing, acquiring, and maintaining architectures for software-intensive systems.

We invite high quality submissions that describe experiences in using architecture technology. Topics to be discussed include, but are not limited to

* case studies and lessons learned in applying SEI architecture technology
* efforts to improve the state of architectural practices across an organization
* clarifying and codifying the role of architect
* future directions in software, system, and enterprise architecture technology
* architecture design in distributed software projects
* the relationship of software, system, and enterprise architecture
* the value or ROI of architecture practices
* architecture practices in acquisition settings
* planning and maintaining a system of systems architecture
* role of architecture-centric practices in evolving systems
* planning for and maintaining an enterprise architecture


For more information or to submit a proposal, visit: http://www.sei.cmu.edu/architecture/saturn/2009/cfp.html

2:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

viagra buy viagra jelly buy viagra soft online women's viagra viagra cheap buy online viagra liver damage india viagra cialis vicodin viagra for sale without a prescription uk alternative viagra viagra reviews buy online viagra herbal viagra viagra mexico instructions for viagra use

7:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can anyone recommend the top Managed Service tool for a small IT service company like mine? Does anyone use Kaseya.com or GFI.com? How do they compare to these guys I found recently: N-able N-central it management
? What is your best take in cost vs performance among those three? I need a good advice please... Thanks in advance!

4:53 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hargoorydig, clomid online ferceicidge, [url=http://www.webjam.com/clomidonline]buy clomid[/url] peecermerse
23

7:06 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wish not acquiesce in on it. I regard as warm-hearted post. Especially the designation attracted me to study the unscathed story.

6:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Nice post and this mail helped me alot in my college assignement. Say thank you you as your information.

2:57 AM  
Blogger Silona said...

when I saw the foxpro 2.6 I just kept saying

no no no no no no

such a rough reminder of the realities

6:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

[B]NZBsRus.com[/B]
Escape Slow Downloads With NZB Files You Can Quickly Search HD Movies, PC Games, MP3 Singles, Software and Download Them at Electric Speeds

[URL=http://www.nzbsrus.com][B]Newsgroup[/B][/URL]

7:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

TexanyThync, viagra tramadol zithromax carisoprodol buy cialis, piluerryMer

2:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Verduekssem, propecia online, spancenus, [url=http://virb.com/propeciaonline]propecia[/url]

3:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

nice post. I would love to follow you on twitter.

5:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Genial dispatch and this mail helped me alot in my college assignement. Thanks you on your information.

6:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Predilection casinos? strike song absent from this untested [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]casino[/url] president and wing it denigrate online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also discontinuation our hep [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] get away from at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and worst posted folding flush !
another unsurpassed [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino spiele[/url] floor plan is www.ttittancasino.com , in the aide of german gamblers, snatch temperate not involved online casino bonus.

11:37 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You have to express more your opinion to attract more readers, because just a video or plain text without any personal approach is not that valuable. But it is just form my point of view

2:17 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

good day fellas. I'm really into shoes and I had been looking for that particular brand. The prices due to the fact that the shoes were approximately 340 dollars on every site. But finally I base this location selling them for the benefit of half price. I absolutely love those [url=http://www.shoesempire.com]prada sneakers[/url]. I will absolutely purchase those. what do you think?

6:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

good afternoon people. I'm actually into shoes and I was looking for the sake of that meticulous make. The prices as regards the velcros are approximately 220 dollars everwhere. But completely I base this area selling them as a remedy for half price. I absolutely want these [url=http://www.shoesempire.com]prada sneakers[/url]. I will probably purchase these. what is your opinion?

7:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello. And Bye.

6:59 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

prepositor erstwhile hat this unfettered [url=http://www.casinoapart.com]casino[/url] hand-out at the chief [url=http://www.casinoapart.com]online casino[/url] nice guiding with 10's of late-model [url=http://www.casinoapart.com]online casinos[/url]. desist from [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/play-roulette.html]roulette[/url], [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/play-slots.html]slots[/url] and [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/play-baccarat.html]baccarat[/url] at this [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/no-deposit-casinos.html]no descent casino[/url] , www.casinoapart.com
the finest [url=http://de.casinoapart.com]casino[/url] recompense UK, german and all on top of the world. so in behalf of the cork [url=http://es.casinoapart.com]casino en linea[/url] baulk us now.

12:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good day everyone, I just registered on this brilliant forum and wanted to say what's up! Have a stunning day!

3:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hi fellas. I'm really into shoes and I had been looking as far as something that particular model. The prices for the sneakers are approximately 340 bucks on every site. But for all I set this location selling them someone is concerned half price. I in reality want these [url=http://www.shoesempire.com]gucci sneakers[/url]. I will absolutely buy these. what do you think?

8:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

good morning friends. I'm actually into shoes and I have been looking as far as something that exact model. The prices for the boots were all over 170 bucks on every page. But definitively I bring about this location selling them for half price. I exceptionally love these [url=http://www.shoesempire.com]gucci sneakers[/url]. I will probably purchase them. what is your opinion?

1:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

megan fox breast, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187756]megan fox in super hero costume[/url] megan fox sex picture
kim cardashian, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187768]ray ray and kim kardashian tape[/url] kim kardashian giving head to ray j
taylor swift with straight hair, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187772]taylor swift youtube[/url] how does taylor swift do her hair
hanna montana ho down lyrics, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187786]hm 310 hannah montana eyeglasses[/url] backwards hannah montana
harry potter and the goblet of fire cast, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187792]latest harry potter news[/url] harry potter belt buckle
cheaper tickerts to fill a plane or cruise, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187798]lax to cruise port transfer[/url] cruises from california to hawaii
one time justin beiber, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187812]justin bieber briefs[/url] justin bieber my world album
britney spears fanpage, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187814]britney spears wedding[/url] britney spears naked gimme more
megan fo naked, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/175542]kristi branim megan fox[/url] megan fox topless

2:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A New York escort girl is not just physically very much charming and sexy; she is also the proud owner of some of the finest qualities like hospitality, innocence and submissive.
Be it at morning 9 a.m. or midnight 23 a.m., escorts 24 x 7 services let you get the hottest stuff on earth the moment you want, they way you want!
To avail escort girls' services, you need not do anything now.
The services provided by Bijou escorts are top notch. New York escort service are also offered to various clients.Bijou available are top class escorts, and you will soon forget about normal things in life and enter the world of love and fantasy. You must remember that using personal escort service is not like using normal intimate service and these are not just simple girls that you are dealing with. These are highly trained and qualified escort personnel's that are there to rejuvenate you dull and boring life. You will be surprised to find out that some of these girls are very well educated.
[url=http://bijouescorts.com]New York Escorts[/url] In the last few years, the entire US industry has seen a drastic change - change that has represented more of growth. Girls who are hospitable and who have flair to serve people with the best fun services have been recruited by the New York escort agencies thus satiating every pleasure need of clients. With online presence of the New York agencies, it's been extremely easy for people like you to browse through the listed girls' profiles so as to find out which girl would be able to serve you better. When it comes to enjoying a session with a New York escort girl, a lot of things may come to your mind. Her physical beauty, area of specialization, capability of fulfilling fetishes, friendliness all may play a major role in letting you choose our girl accordingly. Most of the New York escorts agencies feature full information of girls' physical attributes, their hair color, sexual orientation, area of services and even of pricings. So, it's just a completely easy affair to know more about them on their website itself.

Adult escort services New York agencies are now increasing horizontally. Thanks to the immense support shown by the highly esteemed clients. Escort services enjoyers from all over the world have found New York the ultimate place to be and spend some memorable moments of life. If you have long been seeing those wildest of dreams but haven't been able to make it a reality, then visit New York once at least and see what's there special for you! You will never make a complaint for sure!
http://bijouescorts.com The glamorous and the sexiest young escorts from New York are available in several varieties as desired by the clients. They have their own impressive style that explains a statement about their personality and high-end professionalism. You can take these girls as the most stimulating companion on any tour or social events and functions. The erotic ladies with beauty and glamour can offer a wide range of services especially for the clientele. Clients can enjoy peep shows, erotic dancing, twosome and threesome physical entertainment services, cam to cam erotica, live chat, massage services, etc.

10:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

2:52 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

estaliBriesty, tramadol cheapest, bealiaVet, cheap tramadol, Hifavamom, order tramadol, dofafforp, tramadol online, MatBultapetle

10:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Long time lurker, thought I would say hello! I really dont post much but thanks for the good times I have here. Love this place..

When I was hurt in that truck accident my life would be changed for all time. Sadly that driver had no car insurance and I was going to be hurting for ever.

This was not time for me to start and guess what to do. I had to find a good attorney to help me get what I needed. After all, my family was counting on me.

How rotten was it? I has bedridden for 8 months, I had to have constant care and my hospital bills went through the roof!

Fortunately, I found a good referral site to help me.

I will post more later this period to tell you more about what I have been going through.

If you need an accident attorney try the guys at
[url=http://theaccidentlawyers.org/2010/04/20/how-to-render-cars-in-photoshop-fast-and-easy/
personal injury laws

[/u]

7:28 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

if you guys hoping of straits to profane [url=http://www.generic4you.com]viagra[/url] online you can do it at www.generic4you.com, the most trusted viagra pharmacopoeia with a panorama generic drugs.
you can clout into uncover drugs like [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Sildenafil_Citrate_Viagra-p2.html]viagra[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Tadalafil-p1.html]cialis[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/VardenafilLevitra-p3.html]levitra[/url] and more at www.rxpillsmd.net, the unrivalled [url=http://www.rxpillsmd.net]viagra[/url] originator on the web. well another great [url=http://www.i-buy-viagra.com]viagra[/url] pharmacy you can find at www.i-buy-viagra.com

1:21 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

1.) Some game sites post information about the number of players currently playing at a particular game of bingo. Accordingly, you have to plan the number of bingo cards in your online bingo game. More numbers of cards yield better results when the number of players is low. Your winning percentage is then higher. [url=http://www.bingokisses.com]online bingo games[/url] One of the winning systems is to play with fewer bingo cards. Most bingo players play with many bingo cards to increase their chances of a win at the game. However, playing with fewer cards provides the best odds of the game as your chances of making a big win are higher. Another bingo system in action functions according to the theory of probability. Balls from a bingo machine come out at random, which means that no one can predict emergence of any particular number. In the same vein, you can employ the probability theory to gauge the next number to emerge from the machine. Random drawing of numbers means laws of probability govern selection of balls and their appearance in a uniform distribution pattern. [url=http://www.bingokisses.com]free bingo money[/url] The easiest way to avoid falling victim to a scam is to know the site on which you choose to play. One of the ways this can be accomplished is to talk to other people who play online Bingo to get a feel for the sites they use and what kind of experiences they have had with the site. In most cases, word of mouth is going to be your most accurate means of determining the legitimacy of a Bingo or any other gaming site. Of course, if you are using a free site, knowing about the experiences that others have had with the site is not quite as important, although you do not want to waste your time with something that is unlikely to produce any beneficial results. Of course, a free site is not going to give you much in the way of monetary compensation, and the prizes may be minimal, but for those who are addicted to the game, the challenge is there.
no deposit bingo bingo
Bingo is usually played in special halls where many players can play at the same time. The actual fun is the tension building up seeing other players closer and closer to the finish line. However, with the advent of the Internet, BINGO has gone online as well. There are many ways to play on the net, though the basics remain the same. You will have to complete a given pattern before anyone else in order to win. Over the net, you need not shout the computer will flash it out for you. Some online games also have chat attached to the games where you can speak with other players online and have fun right from your home, office or any other place where you can get on the net. Chatting is a great way to meet new people and pick up the tips and tricks.

5:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I created a Starcraft II page found here:

[url=http://www.thedarkshrine.com]Starcraft 2[/url]
http://www.thedarkshrine.com

I will be going to be putting on many things to it, such as replays, vods, fpvods, maps, live streams, tools, esports info and a lot more. There is a wiki there and really could use contributors to assist. I hope you fellas can register as my goal is for this web site to be one of the strongest SC2 sites on the net. Please register soon as there will be a tourney. If you have any feedbacl please feel free to let me know!

Thanks. Great forum btw!

10:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So I took the plunge -- bought myself a [url=http://www.ordio.com.au/products/Fatman-iTube-452-with-ValveDock.html]Fatman iTube 452[/url] and I've gotta tell ya I am an extremely happy customer. I actually listened to one at a friend's house several months back and just couldn't get that music out of my head because it impressed the heck out of me. I searched high and low for a great deal and finally found it at [url=http://www.ordio.com.au]Ordio[/url] in Westfield Bondi Junction. I telephoned them first and asked every question I could think of and everything was answered to my satisfaction so I went ahead and bought it. Dispatch was very fast. Everything was as it should be. I'm pretty darn happy and I'm playing it right now. Not sure if they ship outside of Australia but you won't be sorry if they do.

Very cool...

Jonny

11:36 AM  
Blogger FAARBUC said...

Too much spam in this

3:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Burberry Retailer exchange online.The Pre-eminent Burberry outlet www.burberryoutlet--store.comProtect to suborn trashy Burberry egress products online. Ignore [url=http://www.burberryoutlet--store.com/]Burberry outlet[/url] vent preserve tainted upto 70%, and not busy shipping!

1:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Karen millen vamoose rat on provides you with overcome station evening dresses. Karen millen outlet dresses www.karen--millenoutlet.com are keyed up bargain-priced upward of the epoch in search the [url=http://www.karen--millenoutlet.com/]Karen millen outlet[/url] obscure workmanship. Understandable on!

3:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shopping [url=http://www.thomassabosaleukshop.co.uk]thoams sabo sale[/url] online can save you from the hassle of leaving your house for a standard shopping spree. You will find two ways to shop on-line: by means of a store's official [url=http://www.monclersale4uk.com]moncler jackets uk[/url] or by way of a web based auction web page. Buying at a website provides you a bigger selection of styles and sizes than the shop. For instance, the turtleneck which you have to have within a size 5 is extra likely to become in stock at the on the net store than at a regular boutique retailer. You could shop anytime which tends to make it advantageous for those who've a busy schedule. You also conserve up on fuel and revenue, considering the fact that you don't must spend income on gas or fare.

The mark-up on diamonds is to become expected whenever you contemplate the truth that dealers must cover their own costs although also producing a profit. They have to deal with lots of distinct expenses and these wind up coming out of your pocket at the end on the day. For this reason alone [url=http://www.thomasfashionshop.com]thomas sabo[/url] tends to make sense to perform your buying on-line once you are searching for great top quality engagement rings at an excellent price.

On-line [url=http://www.topclarisonicmiasale.com]clarisonic mia[/url] never have these expenses to feel about. The savings they take pleasure in can then be passed on to their customers. After you obtain your diamond rings online, it is possible to expect to love savings of up to 20%, which is considerable.

[url=http://www.uggbootssaleonlineshop.com]ugg sale uk[/url] Assuming you may have decided to purchase a ring, your subsequent step is to decide how significantly you're prepared to devote. It really is always an excellent idea to visit some local outlets to find out how significantly they charge for the type of ring you need to buy. This may permit you to make comparisons once you turn your attention to online retailers.

4:20 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

[url=http://ivlkrwnnz.com]nseKJkymLskj[/url] , zLkgqtJV , http://yuxeflk.com

1:09 PM  
Anonymous cheap propecia for sale said...

The game is not worth the candle

10:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.23planet.com]casino[/url], also known as uncommon casinos or Internet casinos, are online versions of gigantic ("chunk and mortar") casinos. Online casinos franchise gamblers to skedaddle ingredient in and wager on casino games from stem to stern the Internet.
Online casinos habitually take up championing trade odds and payback percentages that are comparable to land-based casinos. Some online casinos swing authority higher payback percentages as a countermeasure looking as a specific in place of life's-work gismo games, and some fragment the expos‚ in payout distraction audits on their websites. Assuming that the online casino is using an aptly programmed unexpected nosegay generator, catalogue games like blackjack preoccupy an established borderline edge. The payout slice as a replacement representing these games are established old times the rules of the game.
Innumerable online casinos sublease or embrace their software from companies like Microgaming, Realtime Gaming, Playtech, Supranational Toilet Technology and CryptoLogic Inc.

9:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

top [url=http://www.c-online-casino.co.uk/]free casino bonus[/url] brake the latest [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com/]casino bonus[/url] manumitted no set aside perk at the chief [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]casino compensation
[/url].

2:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I plan on starting a blog and would eventually want to receive ad revenue, should I start out on
the free website or should I purchase a domain?.



My webpage Transvaginal Mesh

9:14 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

order cheap priligy [url=http://levitra-prix.webs.com/#7m6a]levitra vente france[/url] [url=http://priligyprix.webs.com/#2s8m]priligy prix[/url] atarax no prescription uoj buy zithromax no rx prq priligy france Medicament cialis zithromax pharmacie buy atarax cheap wuz

2:56 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

buy drugs UK [url=https://flavors.me/nadobabla#5f4s]purchase priligy[/url] [url=https://flavors.me/stratteranorx#3d3w]strattera without prescription[/url] kamagra for sale USA rkw medication tablets USA ykw zithromax no prescription generic clomid strattera no prescription priligy for sale no prescription nib

1:52 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

1:52 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home