This diagram allows us to trace the path of enterprise information through a variety of Information Technologies during an information life cycle. We’ll refer to this slide frequently during the session.
Note the four numbered quadrants. I generally start this trace by beginning in quadrant #1with office automation technology.
The “General Enterprise Model” stages shown in quadrant #4 are derived from some of my personal research and design over the last 16 years. I’ll cover more on that later.
Note that the flow of information from one IT type to another assumes a transfer or interchange mechanism, specifically some form of electronic data interchange. I suggest that the eventual predominant method of this interchange will use some for of the newly standardized Extended Markup Language (XML) over a variety of computer networks, including the Internet.
Additionally, the mechanism to control the processing of the mechanism will require an ubiquitous programming environment, which could be Java or a derivative.
Finally, the modeling of the flow of information and action within this information life cycle will require a consistent diagramming and documentation method, which could be the Unified Modeling Language (UML) or a derivative.