The Dark Matter of Business Driven Integrated Enterprise Architecture

In our Enterprise (Business) Architecture Industry, the complexity of Enterprise Architecture continually gets communicated, continually gets press, continually gets evangelized, and with all the well intended communication, it very much feels that Enterprise Architecture is being made out to be much more complicated than it actually needs to be. What is interesting is that we have realized there is a void that continually gets overlooked, and sometimes inadvertently or purposely ignored.



The void is known. In order for an Integrated Enterprise Architecture to be completely cohesive, the void must be properly addressed, identified and clarified. When the void is not properly addressed, it has little chance of being satisfied save by a lot of trial and error churning. When that churn occurs, there can only be haphazard and inadequate documentation and traceability to properly address learnings, accuracy, and assurance that the Enterprise can see itself clearly and be truly understood. It is only when the void is properly addressed that one can have a truly accountable and reconcilable Enterprise Asset.



This Dark Matter (void):

• provides the glue that holds the Enterprise in tact,




• determines competitive differentiation,




• drives the process architecture,




• ensures strategic alignment,




• and ensures the satisfaction of the customer.

You ask, “What is this perceived Void?”


Just as in astrophysics where Dark Matter is thought to be responsible for the universe not flying apart, thus encouraging the growth and stability of structure...



In a solid Integrated Enterprise Architecture, the Dark Matter of IEA is what is ultimately responsible to ensure the complete integrity and cohesiveness of a true Integrated Enterprise Architecture that is completely known. The difference is that the Dark Matter in a Business Driven IEA is a known fact, especially in its nature and purpose in encouraging the growth and stability of structure.



I have been working on some white papers recently that cover the above in detail. One of the introductory white papers is soon to be published in a Newsletter, plus I will be speaking on this topic at the Brainstorm Event in San Francisco on July 1, 2009. (http://www.bpminstitute.org/events/sanfrancisco.html)



The intent is to show that the only way to ensure Competitive Advantage and/or Differentiation is to do the necessary Homework in realizing and clarifying the Value Chain (s) as well as identifying and understanding Value Stream Behaviors.


In this short introduction, I welcome any constructive discussion regarding the Dark Matter of a Business Driven IEA. I created this Pyramid years ago when I was doing my knowledge management work, and it made a lot of sense to utilize it as a metaphor for a complete Business Driven IEA as well.



In the pyramid at the top of this page, the Dark Matter (or perceived void) is represented in Levels 2 and 3. In the white papers I have written, I communicate the content and context of the Dark Matter and illustrate how the whole IEA fits together as well as explain all the elements it is comprised of… and specifically explain the importance and significance of Value Chain References and Value Stream Behavior References.



What we are ultimately after in our clarification is to work through the Pyramid below to ensure all the Levels are addressed and well understood and represented by quality referential models that communicate accountable relationships and traceability. The result of the clarified Pyramid will be a complete and accountable set of reference models. I cover this in my white papers as well.




To understand the complete context of the Pyramid, I encourage the reader to read my white papers. The Graphics are also much more clear in the white paper publications.



As the white papers become publicly available, I will include links to them on this Blogspot as well as publish excerpts to this Blog. Also, when I have any relevant links including books, I will include them on this Blogspot so the reader can have them "at their fingertips" so to speak.

Until then... Enjoy! And... Always Remember...



"Getting Something Done Is Easy!!! Getting Permission to Get Something Done Most Time Is The Hard Part!!!"