A cursory search of Australian job websites shows that qualified enterprise architects are in high demand.

Clearly they work in the field of enterprise architecture. But who are they and what do they do exactly? And why do organisations in Australia need their services? 

Network World recently reported the findings of a study looking into the persona and day-to-day work duties of the modern-day enterprise architect.

The enterprise architect plays a key role in helping companies to align their IT and business strategies, it found. They must therefore possess a high level of technology and business knowledge, and be highly adaptable in terms of their ability to keep up with rapid changes in environment.

Enterprise architects are continuously studying…

A good enterprise architect is in a continuous state of re-education in order to stay abreast of new technology developments. The study found they spend nine hours a week on average learning about new trends that could impact the business.

John Dix, editor-in-chief of Network World, said the enterprise architect role has become more critical than ever.

"Virtually every business project has a core IT component, and companies need players involved that have a big picture view," said Mr Dix.

"Organisations are constantly struggling with change and the enterprise architect role helps to ensure projects are mapped out with realistic goals, and the infrastructure is there to support those goals now and in the future."

… and their influence is on the rise

Enterprise architects are valued highly because of their ability to understand an organisation's IT as well as business requirements, and to create a coherent road map. Their expertise is often needed for a company's all-important technology purchases and in the study, 73 per cent said they were regularly involved in infrastructure and IT strategy meetings.

Commenting on the study, IDG Enterprise Chief Revenue Officer Brian Glynn said it's consistent with other reports regarding the significance and rising influence of enterprise architects. 

"This research further emphasises this viewpoint and brings to light the heavy burden placed on architects," said Mr Glynn.

"These are the individuals paving the way for a technology roadmap through their involvement in the tech purchase process, their ability to see eye to eye on IT and business ideas, and the large amount of time spent meeting with technology vendors."

Are you in need of an enterprise architect?

Whether or not your organisation needs an in-house enterprise architect (or enterprise architecture) will likely depend on its size and your long-term business goals. Many SMEs will look for an external partner who can provide cost-effective consultation services to guide them in the right direction. 

Enterprise architecture applies architectural principles to a company's structures and operations. It's main objective is to determine and map out a way for a business to maintain its performance through periods of rapid change. Many medium to large organisations see it as vital for navigating today's rapidly evolving digital era.

The ANATAS approach

ANATAS takes a modern approach to models of enterprise architecture, using a platform-oriented methodology to achieve solutions that allow companies to continually adapt to changes in technology and emerging market trends.

In our experience, a traditional top-down approach can result in an inappropriate application being forced into an environment it doesn't suit. It can be like forcing a square peg in a round hole – it often doesn't work. Instead, we believe in a strategy that involves letting the market decide what is needed. 

At ANATAS, our highly experienced enterprise architects work with organisations using a platform-oriented methodology to understand their market and design road maps for architecture development.

The ANATAS approach to enterprise architecture allows for the use of one or more type of platforms, with designs ensuring that decisions made within the context of the platform are weighed up with the wider needs of the whole organisation. By operating a competitive managed platform, our customers can therefore be assured the resulting architecture will align both IT and business goals. 

Enterprise architects at ANATAS use agile software delivery methods that allow for the design and delivery of reliable and robust platform outcomes. 

If you are in need of guidance, we would be happy to speak to you to understand your needs and to work up an appropriate design customised especially for your organisation.

Contact us today – we offer a cost-effective option for your enterprise architecture needs.