California Enterprise Architecture Framework - Release 2.0 Draft

In June 2005 the State of California released the California Enterprise Architecture Framework - Release 2.0 Draft.

From the draft:

Introduction

Enterprise architecture establishes a roadmap to achieve the state's mission through optimal performance of its core business processes within an efficient information technology environment. Simply stated, enterprise architecture is a blueprint for systematically and completely defining an organization's current (baseline) or desired (target) environment. Enterprise architecture is essential for evolving information systems, developing new systems, and inserting emerging technologies that optimize their mission value. This is accomplished in logical or business terms (e.g., mission, business functions, information flows, and systems environments) and technical terms (e.g., software, hardware, communications).

If defined, maintained, and implemented effectively, this blueprint will assist in optimizing the interdependencies and interrelationships among the state's business operations and the underlying information technology that support operations. Experience has shown that without a complete and enforced enterprise architecture, the state runs the risk of buying and building systems that are duplicative, incompatible, and unnecessarily costly to maintain and integrate.

Enterprise architecture must be developed, implemented and maintained effectively to be useful and provide business value. This framework is intended to assist the state in defining, implementing, maintaining and the enterprise architecture. It describes major enterprise architecture program management areas, beginning with suggested organizational structure and management controls, a process for development of a baseline and target architecture, the major products to be delivered, and development of an implementation strategy.

For purposes of this document, enterprise is defined as those agencies, departments, boards, bureaus and commissions within the Executive Branch of California government. However, the California Information Technology Council and the State Chief Information Officer may choose to expand the scope of the California Enterprise Architecture to include entities in other branches, cities, and counties.

Purpose

This document provides a framework for California to initiate, develop, use, and maintain the enterprise architecture. This framework offers an end-to-end process to initiate, implement, and sustain an enterprise architecture program, and describes the necessary roles and associated responsibilities. This framework is not a one-time event but offers the opportunity for continuous improvement. As California uses enterprise architecture to improve the business of government, the framework must be refined from lessons learned.