In Malaysia, the Government’s enterprise architecture (EA) efforts began last year through Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC) which initiated the Cross Flagship Integration (CFI) Architecture Project. According to Ng Wan Peng, vice president of MDC, the integration architecture framework for the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) flagship applications was designed to address the NARS (narrow-focused, ad hoc planning, reacting, specific) syndrome.
“The flagship applications and their operating platforms are made up of various components that have been built over a period of time by different groups utilising diverse technologies. As the need arose for each application to interact with one another, integration approach was implemented in a reactive manner, focusing on specific integration issues. This resulted in the NARS syndrome. Integration was in a mess. It became extremely difficult to maintain, support, debug and enhance the applications,” she explains.
The integration mess, she adds, brought to the realisation of the need for an integration architecture framework. Working with technology partner, Satyam Computer Services Ltd, and government agencies as subject matter experts, the CFI Architecture Project was completed last month.
The CFI Architecture Project, Ng says, aims to facilitate standardisation across the MSC flagship applications and ensure that the various flagships integrate with one another and with other external agencies. This is to allow smooth and seamless exchange of information across all flagship applications.
The CFI Architecture Framework’s scope is focused more on the process of organising and managing information technology (IT) across the MSC flagship applications, namely Electronic Government, Smart School, Telehealth and Multi-purpose Card. However, Ng says legacy applications, intra-flagships and future requirements are also taken into consideration.
A validated pilot was conducted with major IT vendors involved in the flagship applications. Ng says a full implementation of the CFI Architecture will depend on the readiness of the individual Ministries; so far the framework has been adopted only by the Public Service Department.
“The greatest benefits will come when the architecture is fully defined and all areas of the MSC flagships are actively using it,” she says.
Asked whether integration can be achieved without the architecture, Ng points out that although it’s possible, the architecture will bring long-term benefits to the organisation. Ng highlights that the architecture must be driven by business needs as technology platforms change from time to time.
“There must be a business case for EA. Architecture, not technology, should be the main driver. EA is about using IT strategically, and about integrating business strategy planning and IT strategy.”
Autor: Chandra Devi
Quelle: e-Media, 01.12.2004
