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SA in COBIT 5 EA framework drive

Admire Moyo
By Admire Moyo, ITWeb's news editor.
Johannesburg, 25 Aug 2015
EA can act as a crucial lynchpin between IT governance and corporate governance, says Stuart Macgregor, CEO of local EA solutions provider Real IRM.
EA can act as a crucial lynchpin between IT governance and corporate governance, says Stuart Macgregor, CEO of local EA solutions provider Real IRM.

In SA, there is a big focus on the enterprise architecture (EA) framework of COBIT 5, with the government's strong intent to establish this within the public sector.

So says Stuart Macgregor, CEO of local EA solutions provider Real IRM, who points out the government focus is contained within the Department of Public Service and Administration's Public Service Corporate Governance of Information and Communication Technology Policy Framework.

COBIT 5 is the latest edition of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association's (ISACA) globally accepted framework, providing an end-to-end business view of the governance of enterprise IT that reflects the central role of information and technology in creating value for enterprises.

SA adopted the COBIT 5 framework recently after the Auditor General concluded that only 21% of departments had implemented adequate governance controls, and that 79% of institutions did not have an ICT governance policy framework.

"In the private sector, there is a similar dynamic taking place - an increasing recognition that EA can act as a crucial lynchpin between IT governance and corporate governance," Macgregor says.

He believes while there may be strong levels of EA adoption among local blue-chip organisations, the mid-sized companies are slower to adopt. "The reality is that enterprise architecture can add huge value to even mid-size companies - creating the foundation for their future growth."

Describing the benefits of EA, Macgregor points to competitive advantage. He explains with so few organisations "getting it right", having a business appropriate and sustainable EA function allows the organisation to respond to change with greater speed, and derive huge competitive advantage.

Another benefit is deriving market reputation, he adds. According to him, EA is essential for the organisation to promote a reputation of being well-governed. "For example, EA allows the organisation to comply with King III and other governance/compliance requirements."

EA also results in business transformation, Macgregor notes, pointing out that EA supports major business transformations by clearly understanding the current state, and clearly articulating the desired end-state. In this way, EA provides a clear roadmap for transformation.

"Portfolio rationalisation is also a value, as a structured approach to EA helps with reducing the size and complexity of the organisation's technology estate, and removing any duplications within the application and technology portfolio."

EA also offers strategic support function. "Professional EA consulting services support the efforts of many critical areas within the enterprise - such as strategic planning, governance, risk and compliance, and solution architecture."

Real IRM has been selected by global magazine CIO Review, as one of the 20 most promising EA solution providers in the world. The companies were selected by a panel of CEOs, CIOs, analysts, and the CIO Review editorial board.

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