🏛️ Enterprise Architect Roadmap
The strategic blueprint for aligning technology with business vision
1
Technical & Solutions Foundation
Experience-based
Solutions Architecture Proficiency
Develop a deep understanding of how to design and implement robust technical solutions for specific business problems.
Technology Portfolio Analysis
Learn to catalogue, analyze, and assess the current state of the organization’s technology assets and applications.
IT Governance Principles
Understand the fundamentals of IT governance, including policies, standards, and control frameworks like COBIT.
2
Business-Technology Strategy
1-2 years
Business Architecture
Learn to model the business’s strategy, capabilities, value streams, and processes to create a unified view of the organization.
Strategic Alignment
Master techniques to ensure technology strategy directly supports and enables overarching business goals.
Financial Acumen
Develop skills in financial modeling, TCO/ROI analysis, and IT budgeting to justify architecture decisions.
3
EA Frameworks & Modeling
6-12 months
TOGAF Framework
Gain in-depth knowledge of The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) and its Architecture Development Method (ADM).
Other EA Frameworks
Become familiar with alternative frameworks like Zachman for classification and DoDAF for defense applications.
Architecture Modeling (ArchiMate)
Learn the ArchiMate modeling language to create standardized, integrated visualizations of your enterprise architecture.
4
Core Architecture Domains
Ongoing Practice
Business & Application Architecture
Define the structure of business capabilities and map them to the application portfolio, identifying redundancies and gaps.
Data & Information Architecture
Design the enterprise-wide data strategy, including data models, governance, storage, and flow across systems.
Technology Architecture
Set the standards and future direction for the underlying technology infrastructure, including cloud, networks, and platforms.
5
Governance & Future State
Ongoing
Architecture Governance
Establish and run an Architecture Review Board (ARB) to ensure compliance with standards and strategy.
Enterprise Roadmapping
Create long-term roadmaps showing the evolution of the enterprise from its current state to its target future state.
Innovation & Trend Analysis
Continuously scan for emerging technologies and assess their potential impact and value to the business.
6
Leadership & Influence
Mastery
Executive Communication
Master presenting complex ideas, business cases, and strategic plans to C-level executives and the board.
Change Management
Lead and influence large-scale organizational change resulting from new technology or process introductions.
Thought Leadership
Become a trusted advisor within the organization and the industry, sharing insights and guiding strategic direction.