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Background

Enterprise Architecture (I.T. Architecture) has grown in importance as more functions are pushed into the middleware layer and as more systems are being orchestrated and integrated to carry out business processes.  Higher Education processes have expanded beyond the traditional silo functions within enterprise.  Security risks are distributed with every flat-file transfer and every integration point.  The cost of maintaining, upgrading and integrating systems has risen as the complexity of the environments has increased.  The need for enterprise-wide principles, business process driven designs and holistic requirements is driving the need for enterprise-wide architectures.  ITANA is focused on developing the skills, tools and a suite of products to assist institutions with their enterprise architectural needs.

Activities

There are four major areas of activities for ITANA:

• Outreach and Education - this includes papers, presentations and other activities explaining the role of I.T. Architects in the enterprise, how various institutions have implemented architecture,  and lessons learned. 
• Professional Development - this includes sharing of tricks, tools and success (and failure) stories between architects; reviews and assessments of various software packages; and support and therapy as needed.
• Working Groups - this includes formation of working groups that will focus on in depth analysis on key topics
• Development of  "common practice" - this includes things like: frameworks,  base requirements, and other such things.

Goals

• Increase the awareness of the role of I.T. Architects in the enterprise and their value to the organization.
• Grow new I.T. Architects that are well founded in their skills.
• Provide a space for new architects to get their feet wet, ask questions, get help and guidance.
• Share the workload on large projects among several institutions  and by doing so, deliver a more universal solution.
• Develop common artifacts that are useful to many institutions rather than hidden away in a single institution.
• Provide a pool of expertise from a range of institutions and areas of interest for other projects that are looking for participation and input. 

Members

Jim Phelps, Director How To Join

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