opening thoughts

Enterprise architecture is one of those disciplines where there can be many paths to success. Top-down, bottom-up, project-driven, and grass-roots approaches can each yield modest progress. Long-term success, though, in my experience, results from applying multiple approaches, each complementing the others. While knowledge of these approaches and how to apply them is critical, the trait that above all distinguishes the winners from the others is leadership.

At Architecture and Governance Magazine, we have been preaching the convergence of business strategy, enterprise architecture, and IT transformation since our founding 10 quarters ago. In this issue, we have taken our content to the next level in support of that vision.

It’s hard for me to believe that the magazine we started two years ago to educate and popularize new concepts for aligning IT strategies with business demands has grown to a circulation of twelve thousand subscribers and has become a voice of confidence for many emerging enterprise architecture and governance programs. But with this issue, I believe we have accomplished that and more. I am pleased to announce that Architecture and Governance magazine has garnered another strong endorsement of our vision with our new partnership with Gartner.

An IT executive friend recently described her frustration with a search for an enterprise architect. She needs an enterprise architect equipped to lead an EA program in her aggressive and dynamic organization. She knows exactly what she wants - business acumen, knowledge of the breadth of enterprise architecture practices, strategic thinking ability, and top-notch management, communication and leadership skills. Her search, at least so far, has proven unsuccessful and frustrating.

Greetings, and welcome to our sixth issue of Architecture & Governance Magazine. With over 7000 subscribers across more than 20 countries, A&G has become one the most widely circulated and most influential publications dedicated to advancing the knowledge of Enterprise Architecture and IT Governance issues.

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the premier issue of Architecture & Governance Magazine. The magazine you hold in your hands is dedicated to the new realm of IT: the smart, rational and cost-efficient use of information technology resources to achieve a company's business objectives.