Abstract
This article describes a ten-step process used by the United States Secret Service to build its Enterprise Architecture (EA) program. EA is the discipline that synthesizes key business and technical information across the organization to support better decision-making. The Secret Service program improves on the traditional approach to EA by going beyond the collection of voluminous information to synthesize and present it in a useful and useable format for decision-makers. It achieves this by using a clear framework, incorporating a three-tier approach to displaying the information, and drawing on principles of communication and design in a 10-step process.
Keywords
enterprise architecture, secret service, information technology, strategic planning, investment management, knowledge management, information sharing, information visualization, Clinger-Cohen Act
About the author
Andrew Blumenthal is chief enterprise architect at the United States Secret Service. He is a certified enterprise architect (CEA) and project management professional (PMP) specializing in the implementation of best-practice information technology solutions. In addition to his work with the Secret Service, his two decades of professional experience include service at a range of leading public and private sector organizations, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); the United States Department of the Treasury; the Dreyfus Corporation; and International Business Machines (IBM). With an MBA in organizational behavior and a BBA in accounting, as well as numerous advanced certifications in IT, including CIO certification, Blumenthal has unique insight into the importance of IT to business success, and focuses on synthesizing IT practices with business needs, so as to provide demonstrated results in supporting the broader mission of the organization.
References
Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996. (Public Law 104- 106). Section 5125, 110 Stat. 684.
Integrated Definition Function Modeling Method (IDEFØ) Overview. Downloaded: www.idef.com.
Office of Management and Budget (2000). OMB Circular A-130: Management of Federal Information Resources, November 30, 2000.
Spewak, S. H. (1992). Enterprise Architecture Planning: Developing a Blueprint for Data, Applications, and Technology. NY: Wiley & Sons.
Journal of Enterprise Architecture