Enterprise Architecture
Definition
At CSU we interpret enterprise architecture in accordance with this Wikipedia definition:
"An enterprise architecture (EA) is a rigorous description of the structure of an enterprise, its decomposition into subsystems, the relationships between the subsystems, the relationships with the external environment, the terminology to use, and the guiding principles for the design and evolution of an enterprise. This description is comprehensive, including enterprise goals, business functions, business process, roles, organisational structures, business information, software applications and computer systems."
TOGAF defines "enterprise" as any collection of organisations that has a common set of goals.
"The term "enterprise" in the context of "enterprise architecture" can be used to denote both an entire enterprise - encompassing all of its information and technology services, processes, and infrastructure - and a specific domain within the enterprise. In both cases, the architecutre crosses multiple systems, and multiple functional groups within the enterpriese." [1]
Purpose
"The Purpose of enterprise architecture is to optimise across the enterprise the often fragmented legacy of processes (both manual and automated) into an integrated environment that is responsive to change and supportive of the delivery of the business strategy."[1]
More Information
For clarification on the detail of any CSU enterprise architectures please contact any member of the EA&L team. Alternatively, open up the CSU Architecture Framework document which identifies the foundation components that have been determined as relevant in an architecture domain to support the delivery of business capability requirements.