Interface descriptions for enterprise architecture

This paper describes our experiences in implementing a repository-based system that records and manages architectural information for an organization-wide set of enterprise information systems. The system is called Interface Descriptions for Enterprise Architecture (IDEA). The IDEA system business case and system creation are discussed, and the use of the system is exemplified by applying it to a set of information systems within a large corporation. We show how the existence of a managed enterprise architecture description enables an important set of analyses: risk analyses, architecture analyses, and change management analyses. Finally, we discuss how the IDEA system has the potential to catalyze even more profound change by changing how the various systems’ stakeholders interact.