There is a significant gap in the enterprise architecture (EA) market where training and certification is concerned, says Ian Prinsloo, head of Real IRM`s newly established training division.
"The phrase 'enterprise architecture` is often bandied about, but not always understood," says Prinsloo, an MBA graduate and former head of technology at Rand Merchant Bank. "Every consultant has a version of the truth and, while they may be broadly aligned, this can cause confusion for the client.
"With the establishment of our training division, Real IRM aims to mitigate the confusion that has arisen around the true meaning and value of EA," Prinsloo adds.
The division offers training in a number of EA-related topics, such as business process modelling, the Zachman Framework, IT governance and TOGAF 8.1.
International certification
Real IRM and vendor-neutral, technology-neutral consortium the Open Group are working to create and deliver international certification programmes for enterprise architects, says Prinsloo.
The Open Group`s TOGAF certification programme is an assurance programme that provides several classes of certification, and is used by architecture service providers, tool vendors and individual enterprise architects.
"What the Open Group has achieved through TOGAF is to bring a methodology to bear that is logical, and that enables greater clarity throughout the EA development process," says Prinsloo.
"We want to make EA a professional discipline, in line with global trends," he concludes.
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