What is enterprise architecture?

Perhaps the simplest answer would be enterprise architecture is responsible for the delivery of the business strategy from an information-technology (IT) perspective. Their main focus is on how to create value for the business and use IT to give the business a competitive advantage. Solution architecture and enterprise architecture are interdependent and complement each other. Think it of this way: enterprise architects are more focused on vision and strategy while solution architects help them get that strategy implemented.

Enterprise architecture is tasked with things like reducing cost and assets total cost of ownership (TCO). Enterprise architecture is often responsible for assets health assessment. While enterprise architects may or may not do the actual health assessment, they should define and standardize the methodology used across the organization. They should have a strong view on what assets should stay or be removed from the technology landscape. They collaborate with the business on vendor software. Sometimes they identify high-level integration patterns. Although that’s debatable and can be controversial. In my view, it should be a partnership with solution architects. Enterprise architects can give recommendations to solution architects but not dictate - as they are so far removed from the actual details and implementation of a solution.

Enterprise architecture and solution architecture are not opposed to each other, but rather two sides of the same coin. It comes down to colloboration and cooperation between the two to deliver on that business strategy and create value for the business.