Enterprise Solution Architecture (ESA)
Where AI solution architectures are built upon
What is the enterprise solution architecture (ESA)?
Simply put, enterprise solution architecture (ESA) falls between enterprise architecture (EA) and solution architecture (SA), leaning more toward the latter. It's an IT service-based architecture for the missing link between EA and SA. The definition of enterprise architecture varies (see references). According to FEAPO: it is "a well-defined practice for conducting enterprise analysis, design, planning, and implementation, using a comprehensive approach at all times, for the successful development and execution of strategy." It "applies the architecture principles and practices to guide organizations through the business, information, process, and technology changes necessary to execute their strategies. These practices use the various aspects of an enterprise to identify, motivate, and achieve these changes." While solution architecture defines the implementation of a project (or a program containing a group of projects) by considering all the major elements from its related requirement inputs, software applications, data exchanges, and infrastructure environment. Enterprise solution architecture (ESA) aims at an enterprise-level IT system (system of systems) which, similar to the best-known IEEE definition about IT architecture, concerns a fundamental structure of service components, their relationships to each other, and to the environment, and the principles guiding its work product and evolution. Of primary importance, ESA is about establishing a leading practice and a governance modeling approach to solution design. It's not about everything in a complex system, nor is it about detailed solution design. Unlike an EA, an ESA often takes an agile approach, so an ESA is generally referred to as an Agile ESA or A-ESA for short. Visit a-esa.com to learn more about this topic. Note that an EA or SA can mean an ESA if it achieves the architectural outcomes of the ESA defined here. References:
Why enterprise solution architecture?
As we all know, enterprise architecture (EA) typically involves an enterprise-wide IT approach for common ground standardization, shared capabilities, industry-specific architectural patterns, operational efficiency, and reduced total cost of ownership (TCO). However, many organizations honor IT strategic planning and enterprise architecture in word but not in deed. The many IT plans and blueprints, without enterprise solution architecture (ESA) feedback mapping, often turn out to be shelfware that is less useful. In contrast, the ESA approach takes into account EA's capability and principles, which fill the missing space in the solution architecture specifications while leaning toward enterprise-level significant concerns beyond the design or development level. ESA's plan-while-modeling approach pragmatically facilitates EA landing and solution robustness.
Who are the primary users of ESA?
ESA is for pragmatic enterprise architects, chief or lead architects, solution architects, and other IT solution professionals in a large-scale and complex solution environment. It's also for IT decision makers such as CIOs and CTOs to take a down-to-earth look at enterprise IT architecture.
How does ESA differ from other tool support?
Each architectural design specification has its own purpose and usage. ESA strikes a proper balance between EA tools and architectural design tools (UML, etc.) and provides its own unique features.
When is ESA most applicable?
The ESA is most applicable to enterprise digital transformation and solutions that are heavily subject to the cost of change. If the solution is small or less complex, does not require a certain level of abstraction and collaboration, or has few service-level requirements across different architectural layers, the A-ESA is not a must.
What is the AI's impact on ESA?
Enterprise solution architects are among the least threatened professionals in the AI era. Powered by AI, ESA architects will make better and faster decisions. Likewise, ESA's practical, robust modeling approach will facilitate AI enablement for greater insight and broader adoption.