Applying Proven Business Analysis Concepts to Architectural Tasks

This session is intended to act as a starting point for an exploration of how analysts and analysis relate to the work of the architect. We look at the kinds of challenges and influence Enterprise Architects can have on how portfolios of projects are defined, looking for consistency, reuse, etc. We explore how Solution Architects leverage their own analysis skills, and how their technology experience can be shared and leveraged by those tasked with defining what a system is supposed to do. Infrastructure Architects, while seemingly removed from the requirements specifics of a particular effort, nevertheless influence the success or failure of that effort, and often can have a positive impact by sharing what capabilities exist in the enterprise before the system is even defined. In other words, architects and architecture play an important role in the early phases of any effort. In return, the analysts and their analysis can both support and be supported by the work of the architect. Starting the journey to a better understanding of these dynamics, and how to improve upon our current state, is the goal of this session.