Should enterprise architecture (EA) be a shared function or a discrete function?
Shared45%
Discrete45%
Unsure5%
It depends (please comment below!)2%
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‘AI’ Business Model – With many components flowing into the AI domain (cost, data, E&C, people, value, strategy, duplication of everything, etc.), I’ve started to think about splitting out ‘AI’ from the operating model and putting it into a separate legal entity. This way, I could manage a) risk and compliance, b) cost, c) resource allocation, d) governance, e) IP, f) revenue generation, etc.
Of course, this isn’t new in general, but I’m especially interested in how this approach could help with the ongoing challenge of ensuring compliance with data privacy and regulations related to LLMs and data access/usage over time.
My question: Is anyone else thinking about this, or has anyone already done it? I know there are examples in the literature, but I wanted to float this here for general comments and discussion.
Proven outcomes – Documented success stories and measurable KPIs36%
Implementation confidence – Detailed plan, risk mitigation, and resource readiness47%
Total cost – Clear TCO, price protections, and exit terms39%
Innovation & future readiness – Ability to scale, adapt, and support emerging needs13%
Vendor relationship strength – Cultural fit, governance model, and executive commitment13%
What is the most critical information you expect your cybersecurity team to deliver to you on a consistent basis?
Strategies to prevent ransomware from impacting data backup & recovery33%
What it will take to restore minimal operations after a compromise48%
How prepared the organization is to engage law enforcement in the event of an attack15%
How prepared it is to engage cybersecurity investigators2%
Other (share below)
EA is generally a poorly defined IT role so of course it would depend. The more "ivory tower" the EA practice the more likely value will manifest from it being centralized. The more Solution Architecture focused tends to benefit from a discrete EA function.
The C-Suite seems to love the idea of the "single pane of glass" through which things can be rationalized. If you are in a frothy or disruptive industry - shared services should be kept to a minimum.