If you want a good [[Enterprise Architecture]], you have to build one **and** maintain it _intentionally_. It's not simply enough to go "buy" (if that's even possible) an off-the shelf solution and be done with it. The projects of which your business undertakes must be "folded-in", or you will quickly end up with a disjointed mishmash - a death by 1,000 cuts. This is [[Maintaining Intentional Designs]] for EAs. There are 3 classes of "linkage": 1. **Architecture Linkage** - aligning projects to _architecture_ by embedding architects in project teams, adding architecture reviews, making funding contingent upon architecture compliance, etc 2. **Business Linkage** - aligning projects to _business goals_ by involving business sponsors, aligning [[incentives]] to business goal outcomes, holding project reviews with leadership 3. **Alignment Linkage** - aligning architecture & business goals by keeping IT and business managers communicating, utilizing a PMO **** # More ## Source - [[Enterprise Architecture as a Strategy]] ## Related - [[Aligned Incentives Quote]] - [[Project-Based Learning]]