A solid introduction to the practices, plans, and skillsrequired for developing a smart system architectureInformation architecture combines IT skills with business skillsin order to align the IT structure of an organization with themission, goals, and objectives of its business. This friendlyintroduction to IT architecture walks you through the myriad issuesand complex decisions that many organizations face when setting upIT systems to work in sync with business procedures.Veteran IT professional and author Kirk Hausman explains thebusiness value behind IT architecture and provides you with anaction plan for implementing IT architecture procedures in anorganization. You'll explore the many challenges that organizationsface as they attempt to use technology to enhance their business'sproductivity so that you can gain a solid understanding of theelements that are required to plan and create an architecture thatmeets specific business goals.* Defines IT architecture as a blend of IT skills and businessskills that focuses on business optimization, businessarchitecture, performance management, and organizationalstructure* Uncovers and examines every topic within IT architectureincluding network, system, data, services, application, andmore* Addresses the challenges that organizations face whenattempting to use information technology to enable profitabilityand business continuityWhile companies look to technology more than ever to enhanceproductivity, you should look to IT Architecture For Dummiesfor guidance in this field.

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