Enterprise Architecture

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Architecture Overview

Enterprise architecture is the process by which organizations standardize, organize and develop roadmaps for IT infrastructure and applications to align with and facilitate the achievement of business goals and objectives.  Working with the business, EA maps the current state, determines the most optimal future state, and plans for how to get there.  It also ensures that there’s consistency in IT strategy.  In order to achieve this, EA takes a holistic view of the organization, taking into account aspects such as:

  • IT hardware and software
  • Applications
  • Lifecycle management
  • Financial aspects such as Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
  • Processes

 

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Architectural Areas

There are two architecture teams within NDIT:

The first architectural focus is referred to as Domain Architecture which also handles the Solutions Architecture function.  This team focuses on IT products and services below the application layer, often described generically as infrastructure.  They work across the enterprise and support Enterprise Architecture with their in-depth expertise with technology. Some domains include:

  • Security
  • Cloud
  • Telecom, voice and video
  • Networking
  • Storage and data protection
  • Databases

The second architectural focus is referred to as Enterprise Architecture.  This team focuses on the architecture of the enterprise and is aligned with groups of agencies, so that an EA can closely work with them on an ongoing basis.  Some disciplines are:

  • Data
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)
  • Integration and APIs
  • Development
  • Applications
  • Single sign-on or identity management
graphic showing how the two architectural area teams relate and the areas that they cover

Why Enterprise Architecture?

By centralizing architectural planning, both domain and enterprise, we can ensure that the organization:

  • Is cost-efficient
  • Can obtain the best solutions possible for any use case given technical, financial or time constraints
  • There is consistency with product selection within the enterprise to minimize total cost of ownership statewide
  • There is adherence to standards and policies such as security and data privacy
  • Maximize efficiencies through sharing lessons learned from other parts of the organization
  • Ensure interoperability between products through knowledge of the overall future state
  • Be aware of, plan for and communicate the future state direction from executive leadership
  • Through the creation of artifacts and blueprints, provide guidance to technical teams which allows them to operate as independently as possible

What do you get with the service?

NDIT's Enterprise Architecture program provides a wide range of consulting services to help organizations achieve maximum value from their IT investments. These services include:

  • Alignment of business and IT strategy for optimal results
  • Strategic and lifecycle planning for IT solutions
  • Guidance in the selection, creation, and implementation of IT solutions driven by business objectives

How do you request service?

If your agency is interested in requesting Enterprise Architecture consulting services, you can use NDIT's Self Service Portal to submit a Enterprise Architecture Request. There six different categories to choose from; Expert Advice, Request Consultation, Review Architectural Documentat, Solutions Design & Engineering, Strategic Planning Assistance, and Other Inquires or Requests. 

Once approved by your agency, a member of the Enterprise Architecture team will contact you to verify and start the work.

Billing:

There are no costs associated with requesting or receiving services from the Enterprise Architecture team.