How Enterprise Architects Can Help IT Operations

Traditionally, the role of IT operations has been to keep apps and systems running well for the business. But in the era of cloud, DevOps and disruptive technology, keeping the lights on isn’t enough. IT operations people need a broader view of business needs. They need to evolve the infrastructure stack in ways that will maintain stability yet also support business goals. This is no easy shift for people who’ve grown their careers by focusing squarely on the technology: procuring and configuring servers, storage devices, and network components.

Enter the enterprise architect. Enterprise architects live and breathe business requirements and are a liaison between business leaders and IT. They’re responsible for building a long-term plan for technology evolution aligned with digital business initiatives. Enterprise architects are stewards of enterprise data and thus have typically established many solid relationships across not only IT but business functions as well. Typically, they are advisers to C-level executives and traditionally report to either the CIO or the CTO.

The chief architect can also be a valuable partner to the director of IT operations and his staff. Here’s how: