IT Architecture For Dummies

Information architecture combines IT skills with business skills in order to align the IT structure of an organization with the mission, goals, and objectives of its business. This friendly introduction to IT architecture walks you through the myriad issues and complex decisions that many organizations face when setting up IT systems to work in sync with business procedures.

Veteran IT professional and author Kirk Hausman explains the business value behind IT architecture and provides you with an action plan for implementing IT architecture procedures in an organization. You'll explore the many challenges that organizations face as they attempt to use technology to enhance their business's productivity so that you can gain a solid understanding of the elements that are required to plan and create an architecture that meets specific business goals.

• Defines IT architecture as a blend of IT skills and business skills that focuses on business optimization, business architecture, performance management, and organizational structure
• Uncovers and examines every topic within IT architecture including network, system, data, services, application, and more
• Addresses the challenges that organizations face when attempting to use information technology to enable profitability and business continuity

While companies look to technology more than ever to enhance productivity, you should look to IT Architecture For Dummies for guidance in this field.

Introduction 1

Part I: Developing the Architecture 7

Chapter 1: Planning for Enterprise Realignment 9

Chapter 2: Exploring Tasks, Roles, and Tools 17

Chapter 3: Pondering Platform Pros and Cons 29

Part II: Defining the Role of IT Architecture 41

Chapter 4: Reducing Complexity through Standardization and Consolidation 43

Chapter 5: Planning Enterprise Information Security 65

Chapter 6: Complying with Mandates and Managing Risk 81

Part III: Creating an Enterprise Culture 93

Chapter 7: Developing Identity and Access Management Strategies 95

Chapter 8: Developing a Network Culture through Collaboration Solutions 113

Chapter 9: Reviewing Communication Methods 127

Part IV: Developing an Extended Network Enterprise 141

Chapter 10: Managing Data Storage 143

Chapter 11: Managing Application Development 163

Chapter 12: Planning for the Mobile Enterprise 175

Part V: Obtaining Value beyond the Basic Enterprise 193

Chapter 13: Virtualizing Enterprise Systems 195

Chapter 14: Facilitating High-Performance Computing 207

Chapter 15: Enabling Green IT 219

Part VI: Protecting the Enterprise 229

Chapter 16: Planning Technology Updates 231

Chapter 17: Planning Security Strategies 247

Chapter 18: Planning Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery 261

Part VII: The Part of Tens 273

Chapter 19: Ten Challenges for Redesigning an Existing Enterprise 275

Chapter 20: Ten “Low-Hanging Fruit” Opportunities 281

Glossary 289

Index 313

Kalani Kirk Hausman is a specialist in enterprise architecture, security, information assurance, business continuity, and regulatory compliance. Susan L. Cook is a Senior IT Policy and Security Programs Administrator and a former compliance auditor. Both are employed by Texas A&M University.

Learn to:

• Create an Enterprise IT strategy that meets business objectives
• Work with each layer of the technology stack
• Support organizational structure and processes
• Develop an action plan for implementation

Get a handle on enterprise architecture and develop a strategy for success

An enterprise network is a complex creature. This book breaks it down into simpler bites. You'll understand the parts, what they mean to your company, how to make technology match your business goals, and how to create an enterprise culture. Then you'll get help with long-term planning, managing security, and getting the most from your technology.

• Know the game and the players - understand enterprise components, the management roles involved, and the impact of platform selection
• What IT can do - learn to align technology with organizational goals and explore regulatory compliance and risk management practices
• Who you are - examine the fundamental aspects of identity management and how to develop an enterprise culture
• Nuts and bolts - look at the elements of a distributed network, its resources, and how to establish long-term operational strategies
• Increase technology's value - through virtualization, high-performance computing, Green IT strategies, and other practices
• Keep your guard up - create effective disaster recovery solutions and develop a sound game plan against the ever-changing threats to interconnected systems

Open the book and find:

• Tasks, roles, and tools of IT architecture
• Risk and compliance issues for management
• Tips for reducing complexity
• Identity and access management strategies
• Effective communication methods
• How to plan for the mobile enterprise
• When green is profitable
• What to consider when planning technology updates