Learn in the textbookThe Information Systems Strategy Framework and the Classification of Information Systems
DefinitionEA (enterprise architecture, エンタープライズアーキテクチャ) is a method that maps the current and target states of an organization's business processes and information systems, then closes the gap between them to achieve whole-organization optimization.
ExplanationAn information system strategy (情報システム戦略) follows the business strategy (経営戦略) to set the target state and optimization policy for all information systems, and EA is the framework used to describe that target and bring the whole into shape. When each department builds its own systems, functions tend to be duplicated and data tends to conflict, so EA treats the entire organization as one structure. Comparing the current state (As-Is) with the target state (To-Be) to find the differences is called gap analysis (ギャップ分析), and the improvement steps that close those differences go into a migration plan (移行計画).
AnalogyIt is like planning a whole-house renovation. Instead of fixing rooms one by one on a whim, you draw the current floor plan, sketch the ideal one, and decide the order of work from the differences.
Memory hookEnterprise means the whole company, and architecture means the design of a building: together, a blueprint for the entire company.