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Why 'Enterprise Architects' Are Ineffective with SOA

The fact is, tactical needs have trumped strategic direction over the years
By David Linthicum
Article Rating:
February 11, 2008 07:00 AM EST
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 8,966

Architectures are like archaeology; in essence, layers upon layers of systems, applications, databases, and connections, typically built or procured to solve a tactical problem.

Many corporations talk a good game and brag about the strategic long-term direction of the enterprise architecture that serves the business. The fact is, tactical needs have trumped strategic direction over the years. Thus, layers upon layers of technology on top of technology are the end result, and an architecture that is inflexible, static, fragile, and thus difficult to change along with the business requirements. This is the norm, not the exception.

Published February 11, 2008 – Reads 8,966
Copyright © 2008 SYS-CON Media, Inc. — All Rights Reserved.
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More Stories By David Linthicum

Dave Linthicum is the CTO of Blue Mountain Labs, and an internationally known cloud computing and SOA expert. He is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and blogger. In his career, Dave has formed or enhanced many of the ideas behind modern distributed computing including EAI, B2B Application Integration, and SOA, approaches and technologies in wide use today. In addition, he is the Editor-in-Chief of SYS-CON's Virtualization Journal. For the last 10 years, he has focused on the technology and strategies around cloud computing, including working with several cloud computing startups. His industry experience includes tenure as CTO and CEO of several successful software and cloud computing companies, and upper-level management positions in Fortune 500 companies. In addition, he was an associate professor of computer science for eight years, and continues to lecture at major technical colleges and universities, including University of Virginia and Arizona State University. He keynotes at many leading technology conferences, and has several well-read columns and blogs. Linthicum has authored 10 books, including the ground-breaking "Enterprise Application Integration" and "B2B Application Integration." You can reach him at david@bluemountainlabs.com. Or follow him on Twitter. Or view his profile on LinkedIn.

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Most Recent Comments
Universe 02/20/08 06:10:25 PM EST

Of course the argument that there are bad motor vehicle drivers is in no way an argument against the goodness of motor vehicles and the current need for well trained, disciplined drivers of those vehicles.
Neil Murphy 02/12/08 08:43:13 AM EST

SOA is fine if apoplied pragmatically and for business gain. Most Architects have their heads up their own arses and have no idea of the business need and will happily see projects fail or damaged and business cases blown as lons as rigid architectural purity is preserved. if they had their way most businesses would have lovely architectures and no business.