MSIS 488 Term Paper

Enterprise Architecture Stoplights


There exists, within MSG, a department that owns the entire Enterprise Architecture Framework for the IT organization. It is implemented as is a Lotus Notes database (with a web front end) that lists every technology that is used within AB. It includes the types of wiring for the networks, to spreadsheet programs, disk drives, and development software. Each item is labeled, after a brief description, as Red, Yellow, or Green:

  • Red signifies that this technology is defunct, obsolete, and the users of it should be actively pursing its removal.
  • Yellow signifies that this technology has been replaced but there is no immediate need to remove it. Further deployments of this technology should be avoided.
  • Green means that it is a readily supported and available technology that can be easily deployed as desired.

              The status of items on this list are monitored and modified by the Subject Matter Expert (SME) assigned to it. These are usually architects in various departments whose job it is to monitor the industry and the business for the viability of the piece of technology. When the architect decides that a piece of technology is becoming obsolete and has been put on the "red" list, the architect will define the replacement technology and help the responsible parties construct migration plans to newer technology. By updating the architecture plans with this information, it also makes it easier to "sell" the project to make these replacements in the IT infrastructure.

    Return To A-B's Enterprise Architecture Efforts

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