ComTech Assessment 2: Report

 

 

 

ComTech Assessment 2: Report

 

 

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Assessment 2: Report

Report: Part-I

ComTech is a diversified corporation company consisting of three independent strategic units. These units include Alpha, Gamma, and Beta which operate independently across various sectors of the industry. However, the central head office of ComTech plays a key role in providing oversight roles to these subsidiary units but without influencing their independent operational activities. Besides, every unit operates under its own brand under the leadership of a managing director assigned by the company. The managing directors are rendered the power of autonomy over specific functions of business management such as competitive strategies, budgets, profits, and investment duties. Nonetheless, the report discusses key aspects of ComTech company structure along with the implications the company has for Enterprise Architecture (EA) management.

Roles of STANDARD as EA Artifacts in SmartT

Under ComTech’s framework of operations, the use of STANDARD as EA artifacts stands out as a fundamental pillar in the SmartT approach for several reasons. Firstly, the application of a unified approach for guidelines and best practices plays a key role in transforming ComTech’s trajectory. For example, in a conglomerate company with diverse units like ComTech, operational differences can arise involuntarily causing inefficiencies and differing outcomes. In this context, STANDARD plays a fundamental role in guiding every unit to abide by the set processes, methodologies, and technologies (Kotusev et al., 2020). Thus, this harmonization brings forth a sense of coherence and unity, which mitigates redundancies and allows the company to improve its resource allocation while also reducing operational friction.

Secondly, its integration promotes the establishment of an environment of effective collaboration and communication among the separate units. For example, in companies with units operating independently like ComTech, communication obstacles that cause misunderstanding often arise. In this case, integrating STANDARD will lead to a unifying language with a shared vocabulary and clear documentation that bridges the gap between the independent units. In turn, this harmonization of facilities of communication will enhance smooth decision-making procedures as stakeholders from these separate units can easily understand and align their different objectives with each other’s goals more efficiently for the betterment of the general company.

Additionally, the role of STANDARD as EA Artifacts in SmartT further extends to compliance and risk management. In a large company like ComTech with multiple units, cybersecurity issues are prone to arise. Therefore, strict regulations, security assurance, and ensuring the legality of operations are very critical. In this context, STANDARD plays an essential role in safeguarding and administering standardized regulatory compliance and security measures for the general company (Moylan et al., 2012). Its integration, therefore, eliminates possible weaknesses that could result in sensitive data being compromised through breaches. In the long run, the reputation of the company and its operational continuity remain safeguarded as the STANDARD’s adherence warrants an increased level of security and compliance.

Similarly, scalability and interoperability are other features contributed by STANDARD. Large companies like ComTech always try to navigate expansion and growth in the long run. Therefore, the smooth integration of new services and new systems into existing ones might tend to be a daunting task for decision-makers. Meanwhile, the role of STANDARD in this case is simply to define standardized interfaces and integration procedures that act effectively as the plug-and-play mechanism. This approach will allow the integration of new systems and services across various units of the company without interference and increase the company’s trajectory swiftly.

Furthermore, STANDARD also acts as a catalyst for innovation and adaptability. With the rapidly evolving markets, maintaining competitiveness pivots the company’s capacity to reconsider new technologies and emerging techniques. In this case, STANDARD plays a vital role in providing experimentation with innovative solutions. In other words, it provides a safe space for the company units to discover new innovative ideas while also making sure that the experiments align with the company's goals. Thus, in promoting innovation within a standardized context, STANDARD plays a major role in nurturing a culture of progressive development and adaptability.

How Solution Designs as EA Artifacts Should Be Implemented in Unit Gamma

Implementation of solution designs as EA artifacts in Unit Gamma is dignified to greatly improve the operational efficiency of the unit along with customer satisfaction and strategic positioning. In other words, the integration of EA artifacts aligns smoothly with Unit Gamma’s strategic plan of standardizing back-office processes and customer-facing. This approach signals a transformational step that aligns processes, technology, and consumer relations in unique ways. Firstly, as a result of the inherent focus of Unit Gamma on establishing a coordinated and unified environment, its approach effectively resonates with EA artifacts. Therefore, by utilizing a comprehensive approach that entails process documentation, data models, and technological guidelines, Unit Gamma can efficiently transform its strategic vision into operational reality. Implementing this approach will lead to the realization of cohesive alignment of every facet of the business with the primary goals.

With the standardization of guest registration processes, a tangible personification of this integration is evident. Therefore, using a joint software application and an accurately designed data model will enable Unit Gamma to improve its guest experience to a new level. This process is efficient, streamlined, and consistent in its execution across all the restaurants within the ComTech chain. Thus, it exhibits a sense of professionalism and reliability that guests will automatically embrace, setting center stage for a lasting impression and brand loyalty.

Additionally, the potential of a consolidated data analytics platform cannot be simple. For instance, the platform acts as a pivot that combines customer data from all restaurants or hotels in the ComTech chain. In this case, the implications are intense as the unit gains a sophisticated understanding of the client preferences, trends, and behavior on an unimaginable scale. With such insights, Unit Gamma can potentially create loyalty programs, personalized services, and targeted offers that resonate well with every guest. This approach will enhance customer satisfaction levels and set the unit’s position as a provider of customized, premium-quality services in the chain.

Furthermore, great benefits could emerge through weaving EA artifacts into Unit Gamma. In other words, a consistent application of standardized processes will ensure that guests continue to receive the same high-quality experience in spite of which hotel or restaurant they visit within the ComTech chain. This is because operational efficiency will follow as redundancies are extensively reduced and resources are optimally allocated.  Secondly, the unit’s assurance of fostering customer relationships is magnified as modification becomes the trademark of its service. Besides, as new technologies and trends continue to resurface, the standardized approach provided by EA artifacts offers Unit Gamma the swiftness to adapt, ensuring its competitiveness and relevance in an ever-changing market landscape.

Responsibilities of Architecture Functions in SmartT

The architecture function plays a significant role within the SmartT framework by undertaking four unique and critical roles that contribute to ComTech’s strategic success. Firstly, the architecture function is responsible for strategic alignment. The core function involves making sure that each IT initiative taken across the organization is explicitly aligned with ComTech’s overall business goals. In this case, its functions serve as a navigator of IT strategy driving it towards avenues that establish cooperation between technological advancements and the growth of the company’s objectives. According to Grave et al. (2021), when the gap between business and IT is bridged, the architecture functions will ensure investment in technology is not just auxiliary but becomes a key driver of ComTech’s strategic evolution.

Secondly, architecture functions take in the responsibility of managing portfolios. In a vibrant landscape where resources are limited with diverse opportunities, the capacity to distinguish value, resource allocation, and potential risks is critical. Therefore, this forms the architecture functions to methodically examine the various projects within ComTech’s portfolio. Through the assessment, all allocations of resources and balancing of the potential risks are optimized to ensure the portfolio is programmed to deliver maximum value in line with the objectives of the company. In other words, this role leads to efficient use of resources while also reducing redundancy and wastage.

Similarly, the architecture functions' roles are also centered around compliance and governance. For instance, in a society with increasing cybersecurity threats, data privacy issues, and complex regulations, following security guidelines, legal obligations, and industry standards is paramount. In this scenario, architecture functions come in with the responsibility to establish a framework of policies and standards that play an essential role as the foundation for all IT projects. Through, this each project is aligned with the necessary protocols that improve the company’s security standards, reduce associated risks, and maintain its reputation to higher standards. Meanwhile, this function internally and externally safeguards the company and instills a sense of trust among its stakeholders.

Furthermore, architecture functions also play a key role in promoting innovation within the company. With the rapid technological advancement in society today, being at the front position in terms of innovation is crucial in order to maintain a competitive edge. In this case architecture functions come forth with the responsibility of tech researchers, exploring new trends, assessing their viability, and developing frameworks for their integration. Therefore, through the promotion of an environment of innovation, ComTech is uplifted to high levels where the adoption of technology is used to enhance operations and customer experience. This in turn makes the organization remain strategically positioned to seize new opportunities as they arise.

Architect Positions Required in Unit Beta

Given the lean structure and decentralized operations of the fast-food restaurant chain in Unite Beta, establishing specific architect positions is crucial in the unit to ensure efficient IT management. First and foremost, a Solution Architect (SA) position is crucial for defining standardized IT solutions for the various restaurant processes (Serna et al., 2015). Some of these processes include order management and inventory control. Secondly, the position of Data Architect (DA) is critical for crafting a consistent data model for customer interactivity that supports their relationship management and loyalty programs.

In addition, the position of Integration Architect will also be important to play a significant role in establishing interfaces and integration patterns for unifying the separate restaurant systems with ComTech’s central office. Finally, the position of Security Architect will be important for the implementation of standardized security measures, securing customer data, and making sure there is effective compliance with the data protection regulations. By establishing these positions within the Unit Beta, the responsibilities they will undertake will ensure efficient IT operations while also enabling each restaurant to operate independently.

Report: Part-II

Cloud Computing Types for SmartBiz

Addressing the business needs of SmartBiz requires consideration and implementation of specific types of cloud computing.  Firstly, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) would play a key role in offering the company virtualized and scalable computing resources. Some of these resources include storage and networking elements that will allow them to swiftly establish and manage their IT infrastructure without struggles of physical hardware management. Secondly, Platform as a Service (PaaS) can potentially aid in the development, deployment, and management of applications without the distressing about the state of infrastructure, In the long run, this will increase efficiency in developing applications.

Moreover, Software as a Service (SaaS) would be critical in allowing SmartBiz to gain access and make use of software applications directly from the cloud. This will in turn minimize the necessity for local installations and maintenance. For example, they can opt for a cloud-based CRM solution to improve the management of customer relations. Furthermore, Function as a Service (FaaS) is also a critical cloud computing type known for its server-less computing solutions. However, it can potentially allow SmartBiz to run specific codes when responding to certain events with an exemption of server management while also optimizing resource use and minimizing complex operations.

Challenges and Resolutions for the Implementation of Cloud Computing Technologies

The implementation of cloud computing technologies can present potential setbacks to SmartBiz. For example, data privacy and security concerns are prone to arise as a result of the overreliance on external providers. In this case, SmartBiz should reconsider selecting a reputable cloud provider with a positive track record to offer robust security measures, encryption guidelines, and certification of compliance. Secondly, complexities in integration are prone to emerge, especially during the migration process from existing systems to the cloud. However, this can be resolved through comprehensive planning and the use of middleware solutions to smoothen the flow of data between existing systems and cloud environments.

Additionally, there is a potential occurrence of downtime and service disruptions. In such cases, negotiating with the cloud provider to make sure there are acceptable service level agreements (SLAs) that include provision for uptime and disaster recovery is paramount. Similarly, issues of cost management can arise especially when there is a lack of careful monitoring. Therefore, implementing cost-tracking mechanisms and optimization tools can be a potential resolution to caution against any extensive expenditure. Furthermore, there are always issues of resistance from employees during the initiation of change especially where adapting to new technologies is considered an issue. Therefore, this can be addressed through change management approaches and adopting comprehensive training programs for smooth transition.

Characteristics of Cloud Computing and Recommendations

Cloud computing is usually characterized by on-demand self-service enabling users to provision resources as required. Secondly, cloud computing provides a wide network access that permits access from various devices. Similarly, resource pooling is also a critical trait that enables resources to be shared among several users for efficiency purposes. Additionally, there is rapid elasticity which ensures swift scaling of resources on a demand basis. Lastly, it has a measured service that allows users to pay for what they consume. However, in the case of Smart Biz, major cloud computing services that could be recommended include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Salesforce.

Nonetheless, AWS provides a vast range of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS solutions that will enable SmartBiz to select services that align with their needs. On the other hand, Microsoft Azure offers inclusive cloud services such as robust AI and analytics that will improve credit card application processing for the company. Likewise, GCP is commonly recognized for its data analytics and machine learning capabilities. Therefore, it will play a significant role in empowering SmartBiz’s analytical efforts. Finally, Salesforce is a leading SaaS provider in the management of customer relationships. It will be beneficial for SmartBiz to enhance its customer experience.

Use of Cloud Computing in EA Practices

Cloud computing can be used to efficiently improve EA practices in several ways. For example, through resource scalability, EA teams can allocate resources based on the project's needs. Secondly, communication tools and collaboration in the cloud would effectively facilitate seamless communication among the cross-functional teams. Besides, testing and development environments would be swiftly provisioned, which in turn optimizes the lifecycle of software development. Similarly, utilizing cloud-based analytics platforms would aid in gaining data analytics and insights that will help in establishing informed architectural decisions. Finally, the use of cloud-based security and compliance tools will play a key role in upholding a secure and compliant EA setting.

ITIL Framework and Advantages

The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework refers to a set of best practices for the management of IT services (Gunawan, 2019). At SmartBiz, implementing ITIL can lead to several benefits. For example, there is improved service quality following the realignment of IT services with business requirements that in turn leads to improved customer satisfaction. Secondly, there is efficient incident management which means that service disruptions and downtime are reduced resulting in enhanced business continuity. In addition, there are change management practices that focus on ensuring that changes are implemented swiftly without adverse impacts. Besides, ITIL empowers cost optimization making sure that resources are used effectively. Finally, improved communication between IT and business teams results in efficient alignment and understanding of goals.

 

References

Grave, F., van de Wetering, R., & Kusters, R. J. (2021, March). Enterprise architecture artifacts facilitating digital transformations' strategic planning process. In 14th IADIS International Conference Information Systems 2021: IS 2021 (pp. 45-52). IADIS Press.

Gunawan, H. (2019, August). Strategic management for it services using the information technology infrastructure library (ITIL) Framework. In 2019 International Conference on Information Management and Technology (ICIMTech) (Vol. 1, pp. 362-366). IEEE.

Kotusev, S., Kurnia, S., & Dilnutt, R. (2020). Roles of Different Artifacts in Enterprise Architecture Practice: An Exploratory Study. In ICIS.

Moylan, S., Cooke, A., Donmez, M. A., Jurrens, K., & Slotwinski, J. (2012). A review of test artifacts for additive manufacturing.

Serna, M. D. A., Salazar, J. E. L., & Bedoya, J. W. B. (2015). Solution architecture approach, the mechanism to reduce the gap between enterprise architecture and implementation of technological solutions. DYNA: revista de la Facultad de Minas. Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Sede Medellín, 82(193), 117-126.