Vigorous Information Management – The Future of IT Industry

Enterprise Architects to lead the Industry – Analysis

by Yaroslav Lyssenko

[ 10/29/2006 | 07:44 AM ]

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Since its foundation, the focus of the information and technology (IT) evolution has not been on information, but on the technology. But this is going to change: according to Peter Drucker and Allen Brown, the next step in the evolution will ask about the meaning of information and its purpose.

“The next information revolution is well under way. But it’s not a revolution in computer hardware, semiconductors or software, per se. Instead, it’s a revolution driven by the need to put the right information in the right people’s hands at the right time. This new kind of information flow without boundaries requires a technical infrastructure built on open standards – one that is designed to enable individuals as well as their distinct IT systems to all work together,” writes Allen Brown, the president and CEO of The Open Group.

While innovation is suppose to deliver better and easier solutions, in the beginning it is also important to have people, leading the process, who can develop and implement a new architecture.

“We’re talking about people who can adopt the city planner view of the enterprise. This new breed of professionals must be able to communicate effectively with each level of their organizations. On the one hand, they will have to communicate the big picture as well as the detailed steps necessary to align IT with tangible business goals. Not surprisingly, these so-called enterprise architects are now rated more highly than developers when measured by the value they can deliver to their companies,” an article over Cnet News.com points out.

“However, to continue the enterprise architect’s professional evolution, four things are necessary: high standards of expertise; recognized best practices; skills and experience certification; and a forum for practitioners to come together and share knowledge. Fortunately, all of this is happening,” underlines the author.

Allen Brown is the president and CEO of The Open Group, a not-for-profit consortium that works toward enabling access to integrated information within and between enterprises based on open standards and global interoperability.

• Cnet News.com: Perspective: The Next Information Revolution.