Random thoughts on Offshoring Enterprise Architecture (EA)
In my previous blog “Strategic IT talent: Why Offshoring is not the answer?” I tried explaining how offshore outsourcing can be leveraged to provide technical work of various genera including some high end tasks like Research & Development and innovation and Enterprise Architecture Definition.
In my day-job, I straddle the thin line between working with clients and Infosys teams on translating sourcing strategies to actionable projects and programs while also consulting on high end (well, I can call define “high end since this is my blog, right?) Architecture definition including Enterprise Architecture (EA). [I am with the System Integration practice’s Technology Consulting Group]
I don’t want to dwell too much on EA definitions since gurus both at Infosys and outside -- [Re: Craig Borysowich, Robert McIlree’s blogs -- have done a stellar job. The sweet spot I am seeking to address is on leveraging offshoring to provide EA services.
Let me try and explain my thinking; Enterprise Architecture attempts to align business goals and “’IT strategy,” essentially help manage innovation. EA governance also tries to create an atmosphere where IT Investments are optimally utilized. There are distinct opportunities to leverage globalized (onsite, offshore) and geographically distributed teams in EA teams that include:
- Offline research : including research on industry trends, emerging technologies
- Developing and testing Proof of Concept (POC) to study technical viability of solutions
The business goals that globalized EA teams work towards are the same that offshoring can provide, and include leveraging a wider skill pool, cost-benefits and the like. Though the thoughts here are more in the form of a SWAG, I have seen some of them work in the field with varying degrees of success.
Comments
Would you be willing to show more integrity by also talking about what are the pitfalls of outsourcing?
Posted by: James | November 11, 2006 4:48 PM
I agree, Offshoring of EA provides both rewards and risks. I have opinion that in long term it will be more beneficial to keep EA teams divided across the geographies. One of the reason is that most of delivery teams are offshored. It better to have part of EA team working more closely with delivery team.
Posted by: Pankaj Arora | December 5, 2006 4:03 PM