strategy+business explains how IT works best when tied closely to business goals, which using an Enterprise Architecture helps ensure. Though the article explains little of what exactly an EA is, there’s plenty on the Web about it, including professional training and certification. An EA seems to rely on having a sound foundation of an ‘Operating Model’ of the business, which in turn ties together strategy maps, goals and policies.
But how do we ensure that operating model is indeed rigorous? I would start from a strategy dynamics analysis, which is theoretically rigorous, encompasses resources and capabilities, and can expand to incorporate business processes of whatever level of detail is required, but I guess most EAs don’t use that approach.
The article suggests that using EA to align technology with strategy is helpful, so it would be good to hear of any sources that clarify exactly how EA experts ensure they get a rock-solid strategic architecture on which to build.