Guide to Enterprise IT Architecture [Hardcover]

Col Perks (Author), Tony Beveridge (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0387951326 | ISBN-13: 978-0387951324 | Publication Date: October 31, 2003 | Edition: 1

An up-to-date and comprehensive overview of information and database systems design and implementation. The book provides an accessible presentation and explanation of technical architecture for systems complying with TOGAF standards, the accepted international framework. Covering nearly the full spectrum of architectural concern, the authors also illustrate and concretize the notion of traceability from business goals, strategy through to technical architecture, providing the reader with a holistic and commanding view. The work has two mutually supportive foci. First, information technology technical architecture, the in-depth, illustrative and contemporary treatment of which comprises the core and majority of the book; and secondly, a strategic and business context.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 447 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (October 31, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387951326
• ISBN-13: 978-0387951324
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,421,151 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent secondary text on architecture, April 13, 2004

By 

Mike Tarrani "www.tarrani.com" (Deltona, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Guide to Enterprise IT Architecture (Hardcover)

This book describes the Open Group's Architecture Framework, which is a structured approach to developing an architecture based on a sequence of steps outlined in their architecture development method.

The book sets the context for architecture in general in the first three chapters, covering an introduction to technical architectures in general, addressing specific issues related to architecture with respect to business alignment, technologies, cost factors, etc.; and delving into the business foundation that [should] drive the architecture.

Subsequent chapters cover each step in the architecture development method in detail. Specific steps are:
Phase A: Architecture Vision: Define scope; create vision; obtain approvals
Phase B: Business Architecture: Develop a Business Architecture
Phase C: Information System Architectures: Develop Data and Applications Architectures
Phase D: Technology Architecture: Develop a Technology Architecture
Phase E: Opportunities and Solutions: Checkpoint suitability for implementation
Phase F: Migration Planning: Prioritize work; Select major work packages; Develop migration plan Phase G: Implementation Governance: Provide architectural oversight of the implementation
Phase H: Architecture Change Management: Establish procedures for managing change to new architecture

Although this book covers an approach to architecture that is not mainstream, it is viable and well developed. I especially like the clearly articulated description and detail, which are reinforced with illustrations that bring the text to life. Moreover, the authors pay attention to all life cycle factors, particularly maintenance and post implementation support. Additional information about the Open Group Architecture Framework can be found on the sponsoring web site (ASIN B00006G0R7).

This book is, in my opinion, a secondary text on architectures and more suited to seasoned system and technical architects who are seeking to expand their knowledge of architecture methods. The approach set forth can be applied to the development and implementation of any architecture, making this book an asset to the discipline's body of knowledge.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rich detail/excellent methodology, July 2, 2004

By 

Rachel Tozier (Brea, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Guide to Enterprise IT Architecture (Hardcover)

I'm an engineer, not a literature major, so I've learned to plow through dense text to find the important facts and features of subjects that are useful in my job. This book and the architecture methodology it describes is rich in detail and based on sound principles.

Every major best practice in architecture is included: structure, discreet layering, separation of concerns, technical accuracy, and business focus. The company I word for uses the 4+1 architecture methodology, which is not far off from the methodology given in this book. I've found a lot of ideas in this book that I can use on the job without violating our comoany standards, and I am sure that as time goes on I'll discover more because I refer to this book a lot.

If you want to complain about writing I recommend changing careers to something more suitable like writing novels. If you want to keep current in architecture and best practices read this book.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for the Practicing Enterprise Architect, April 5, 2004

By 

An avid reader (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Guide to Enterprise IT Architecture (Hardcover)

While this book is written around the TOGAF, its impact is wide ranging. I read this book together with HANDBOOK OF ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE by Bernus et. al. Both form great text books for Graduate Level courses aimed at practitioners rather than theoreticians. Go for it, its steep price is justified...