IT Architecture For Dummies

A solid introduction to the practices, plans, and skills required for developing a smart system architecture Information architecture combines IT skills with business skills in order to align the IT structure of an organization with the mission, goals, and objectives of its business. This friendly introduction to IT architecture walks you through the myriad issues and complex decisions that many organizations face when setting up IT systems to work in sync with business procedures. Veteran IT professional and author Kirk Hausman explains the business value behind IT architecture and provides you with an action plan for implementing IT architecture procedures in an organization. You'll explore the many challenges that organizations face as they attempt to use technology to enhance their business's productivity so that you can gain a solid understanding of the elements that are required to plan and create an architecture that meets specific business goals. Defines IT architecture as a blend of IT skills and business skills that focuses on business optimization, business architecture, performance management, and organizational structure Uncovers and examines every topic within IT architecture including network, system, data, services, application, and more Addresses the challenges that organizations face when attempting to use information technology to enable profitability and business continuity While companies look to technology more than ever to enhance productivity, you should look to IT Architecture For Dummies for guidance in this field.

Introduction 1 Part I: Developing the Architecture 7 Chapter 1: Planning for Enterprise Realignment 9 Chapter 2: Exploring Tasks, Roles, and Tools 17 Chapter 3: Pondering Platform Pros and Cons 29 Part II: Defining the Role of IT Architecture 41 Chapter 4: Reducing Complexity through Standardization and Consolidation 43 Chapter 5: Planning Enterprise Information Security 65 Chapter 6: Complying with Mandates and Managing Risk 81 Part III: Creating an Enterprise Culture 93 Chapter 7: Developing Identity and Access Management Strategies 95 Chapter 8: Developing a Network Culture through Collaboration Solutions 113 Chapter 9: Reviewing Communication Methods 127 Part IV: Developing an Extended Network Enterprise 141 Chapter 10: Managing Data Storage 143 Chapter 11: Managing Application Development 163 Chapter 12: Planning for the Mobile Enterprise 175 Part V: Obtaining Value beyond the Basic Enterprise 193 Chapter 13: Virtualizing Enterprise Systems 195 Chapter 14: Facilitating High-Performance Computing 207 Chapter 15: Enabling Green IT 219 Part VI: Protecting the Enterprise 229 Chapter 16: Planning Technology Updates 231 Chapter 17: Planning Security Strategies 247 Chapter 18: Planning Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery 261 Part VII: The Part of Tens 273 Chapter 19: Ten Challenges for Redesigning an Existing Enterprise 275 Chapter 20: Ten “Low-Hanging Fruit” Opportunities 281 Glossary 289 Index 313