A new technology or changed technology is identified. This task looks at the possible opportunities based upon this technology change, and the impacts on existing IT architectures.
A new technology has been identified and this task examines its possible use within the system or enterprise. This
task examines the new technology, defines possible uses, and then defines its possible impacts on the existing IT
architecture. These impacts may be at the Business level (e.g. new business opportunity), Logical level (e.g. a greatly
revised IT architecture is needed) or the Technical level (e.g. the new technology is a simple substitute for existing
technology, but with benefits).
The objective of this task is to understand the new or changed technology and then assess its impacts if used in
the existing IT architecture. The bottom line of this impact study is to define the level of impact:
Business - new business level opportunities are available, or enhanced services or processes at
the business level are possible;
Logical - the new technology does not have business process or services implications, but does
have large implications on the current IT architecture, which would have to be revised starting at the Logical
level;
Technical - the new technology does not have significant architectural implications; it is a
direct substitute for existing technology, but with benefits.
Once the level of impact has been determined then the next step is to do a more thorough analysis of the opportunities,
and to make a go or no-go decision.
An Architectural Decision is used to capture and track this analysis.
Steps
Understand the new technology
The new technology is examined in detail by a set of IT experts to ensure adequate understanding of its capabilities
and usage.
Opportunities for use
The IT experts and IT architects, armed with a thorough understanding of the new technology and the current IT
architecture, define possible uses of the technology within the system or enterprise.
Analyze the proposed uses
In depth analysis of the proposed solutions is now done. All aspects are looked at, from feasibility to costs. Pros and
cons are noted for each one.
Short list of uses
A short list of possible uses of the new technology is defined based upon cost, impacts and benefits defined.
Define the impacts of the new technology
The impacts on the current IT architecture are defined in detail for each use on the short list, including the highest
level of impact (i.e. Business, Logical or Technical).
