Information architectures: Methods and practice

Abstract

The concept of an information architecture is explored as a fundamental building block underlying the development of effective information systems. An information architecture is a personnel-, organization- and technology-independent profile of the major information categories used within an enterprise. The profile shows how the information categories relate to business processes and how the information categories must be interconnected to facilitate support for decision makers. Much of the material presented is based on the results of work with a panel of experts. The panel was made up of senior IS executives who have developed, implemented and maintained global/corporate information architectures. The paper describes what an information architecture is, why it is important and how it fits into the overall IS planning process. Methodologies for building such an architecture are discussed. The problems involved in developing, implementing and maintaining an information architecture and the benefits that can accrue are discussed citing several case examples. Finally, prescriptive recommendations based on the experience of members of the panel are offered.