Read The Synopsis Of The Scenario You Viewed At The Beginnin
Read The Synopsis Of The Scenario You Viewed At The Beginning Of This
Read the synopsis of the scenario you viewed at the beginning of this module: The two companies will need to merge their business information systems or find a new one that will work in a distributed organizational environment. The first order of business is to determine which platform would be best. You will analyze what needs to be done for the platform analysis. In order to determine the solution, you must first understand what information you already have or need in order to move forward. Estimate the future growth opportunities of Summit Solutions, Inc. and determine the most appropriate business information systems to accommodate the merger and future growth.
Describe at least three characteristics of enterprise architecture Describe how enterprise architectures support information and can create value for the organization. Compare open, proprietary, and web service business information systems and describe which will work in a distributed organizational environment. Support and defend the decision for Summit Solutions, Inc. to run on “open” platform. Use at least 3 outside resources in your response Write a 3 to 5 page report in Word format. Apply current APA standards for writing style.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
In the contemporary business landscape, the integration of information systems across organizational boundaries is essential for fostering efficient operations and supporting future growth. The scenario involving Summit Solutions, Inc. and a merging company underscores the importance of selecting an appropriate enterprise architecture and platform that can support a distributed organizational environment. This report explores the characteristics of enterprise architecture, evaluates different types of business information systems, and advocates for the adoption of an open platform to best support the company's strategic objectives and scalability.
Characteristics of Enterprise Architecture
Enterprise architecture (EA) serves as a blueprint for aligning business strategies with technological capabilities. Three fundamental characteristics of EA include:
1. Holistic Integration: EA provides a comprehensive view of the organization's processes, information, applications, and technology infrastructure, ensuring that all components work synergistically (Lankhorst, 2017).
2. Standardization and Interoperability: EA emphasizes enforcing standards that promote interoperability among disparate systems, facilitating seamless data sharing and communication (Ross, 2016).
3. Flexibility and Scalability: It enables organizations to adapt swiftly to changes, incorporating new technologies or business models without significant disruptions (Bernard, 2012).
Supporting organizational value, EA ensures that technology investments directly contribute to strategic goals, enhances agility in responding to market changes, and reduces redundancies and inconsistencies across business units (The Open Group, 2018).
Platform Analysis and Business Information Systems
Selecting an appropriate platform involves evaluating the characteristics of open, proprietary, and web service-based business information systems.
Open Platforms: These systems are based on open-source technologies, promoting transparency, customization, and community-driven development (Fitzgerald, 2018). Examples include Linux operating systems and Apache web servers.
Proprietary Platforms: These are developed and maintained by specific vendors, offering integrated solutions with dedicated support but often limited customization and higher costs (Snyder & Zaman, 2019).
Web Service-Based Systems: These utilize standardized protocols like SOAP or REST, enabling interoperability over the internet, supporting distributed environments effectively (Papazoglou & Georgakopoulos, 2003).
In a distributed organizational environment, web service architectures are most suitable due to their inherent support for interoperability and scalability. However, the decision to adopt an open platform aligns with several strategic benefits.
Advantages of an Open Platform for Summit Solutions, Inc.
Adopting an open platform offers multiple advantages for Summit Solutions:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Open-source solutions reduce licensing costs, essential for companies seeking to optimize budgets during mergers (Fitzgerald, 2018).
- Customization and Flexibility: Open architectures allow tailored modifications to meet specific organizational needs, supporting future expansion and integration (Fitzgerald, 2018).
- Community and Innovation: A vibrant community fosters continuous improvements, security updates, and shared best practices, ensuring the system remains current and resilient (Snyder & Zaman, 2019).
- Vendor Independence: Open platforms diminish dependency on single vendors, reducing risks associated with vendor lock-in and facilitating easier migration or upgrades (Bernard, 2012).
Supporting the preference for open platforms, industry trends indicate increased adoption of open-source solutions for enterprise environments due to their flexibility, cost advantages, and robust community support (Fitzgerald, 2018).
Future Growth and System Integration
To accommodate the anticipated growth and merger complexities, Summit Solutions must invest in scalable and interoperable systems underpinned by enterprise architecture principles. Implementation of modular, web service-oriented architecture (SOA) will facilitate integration across dispersed locations, streamline business processes, and enable rapid deployment of new capabilities.
Moreover, the integration plan should include comprehensive data governance frameworks, security protocols, and ongoing staff training to maximize system effectiveness and ensure alignment with strategic objectives. Investing in adaptive infrastructure and open standards will position Summit Solutions to capitalize on emerging technologies, such as cloud computing and AI, fostering sustained growth.
Conclusion
Selecting the right enterprise architecture and information system platform is critical for Summit Solutions, Inc., especially in the context of merging with another company in a distributed environment. Characteristics such as holistic integration, interoperability, and flexibility are foundational to effective EA. An open platform, supported by web services, offers strategic advantages including cost savings, customization, and vendor independence, making it an optimal choice for future growth. By adopting an enterprise architecture grounded in open standards and scalable systems, Summit Solutions can ensure seamless integration, technological agility, and sustained competitive advantage.
References
Bernard, S. A. (2012). An Introduction to Enterprise Architecture. AuthorHouse.
Fitzgerald, B. (2018). Open Source Software and Financial Markets. Journal of Financial Transformation, 45(3), 112-130.
Lankhorst, M. (2017). Enterprise Architecture at Work: Modelling, Communication and Analysis. Springer.
Papazoglou, M. P., & Georgakopoulos, D. (2003). Web Services: Principles and Technology. Pearson Education.
Ross, J. W. (2016). Enterprise Architecture: Creating a Foundation for Business-IT Alignment. MIT Sloan Management Review, 57(4), 55-63.
Snyder, C., & Zaman, M. (2019). Vendor Lock-In and Open Source: A Comparative Analysis. Journal of Information Technology Management, 30(2), 34-48.
The Open Group. (2018). The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF): Version 9.2. The Open Group Publications.
Please note: Additional peer-reviewed articles and industry reports would further strengthen this analysis, particularly recent case studies on open-source enterprise architectures and their impact on organizational agility.