ABSTRACT
Good architecture becomes the first means by which technologists ensure compatibility between technology platforms. This leads to the inevitable question: Why is architecture important? To illustrate its importance, consider a large company: What might happen if each business unit wanted to make its own technology choices, independent of all others? Under this scenario, each unit does its own R&D, implements, administers, and supports its own specific solution. What may result is different platforms, technologies, and industry standards. Costs may be significantly more than if the whole organization provided a standard solution. With individual solutions, there may be compatibility and interoperability issues, not to mention eventual replacement and unwind costs.
