Crossing the Paradigm Bridge

Five years ago, we predicted the advent of the “internet appliance” which would become the 4th high technology paradigm.  With the 4th paradigm came concern, mainly within corporate IT circles, about the so-called “consumerization” of IT.  Apple Computer, which spearheaded the newest technology paradigm, has, as of this month, put the pressure on with the introduction of its Joint Venture services offering which is targeted at small to medium-sized businesses.  Joint Venture includes IMAC services, training, ongoing support, updates, and loaners if necessary.  The price is very attractive as well. 

Apple is now an extension to our corporate IT department, right?  Not quite. The reality is that Joint Venture doesn’t fit within the context of a large corporate IT construct.  So, how does corporate IT deal with devices that operate both inside and outside of the firewall and that pose the challenge of new file formats being transferred around (with their security challenges) and with capabilities that are lifestyle in nature and not 100% business-centric?  The answer:  Architecture.

IT architecture, which, if properly constructed (from business architecture to systems architecture to technical architecture to product architecture,) with each architectural element being described by principles, models, and standards, becomes a dynamic directive that assists a corporation in crossing the paradigm bridge with business model adjustments and the advent of technology paradigms.  The architecture can, then, assimilate a smart phone or a notepad device without incurring cost and adding security risk.



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