The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) has an Enterprise Architecture Maturity Model (EAMM) state and local governments can download and use as a tool to objectively review the status of their enterprise architecture (EA) programs.

NASCIO has also designed and validated a program assessment process that determines the baseline maturity level and provides recommendations in attaining the next level of EA activity.

"As an organization's architecture matures, the benefits to the entire enterprise increase. The EAMM will be used by NASCIO in conducting enterprise architecture assessments during this next fiscal year. Individual state assessments will also guide the states in attaining the next level of maturity," said Gerry Wethington, Missouri State CIO and NASCIO president.

These assessments will be conducted using cross-functional teams that include architects from state government. Results will be compiled from across the states to provide a national profile of state enterprise architecture programs.

NASCIO is developing other components of its enterprise architecture program that will assist states in the development, renewal, and maturation of their enterprise architecture programs. Last week, the association released its Architecture Video Series, intended to serve as a resource for CIOs, architects and other IT experts in their efforts to present a compelling message describing the value of enterprise architecture. NASCIO is also developing its next version of the NASCIO Enterprise Architecture Tool-Kit that will include content related to business and information architecture, and program management.

Funding for the project was provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs.