Purpose of Architecture Principles

Principles are statements of direction that provide a foundation for decision making in the selection, implementation and evolution of the university's information systems. Enterprise architecture principles align information system uses and development with the university's mission, strategic objectives and goals.

Enterprise architecture principles serve as a framework for decision making by providing guidance about the preferred outcomes of a decision in a given context. This acts as a mechanism for harmonizing decision making across units and guiding the selection and evolution of information systems to be as consistent and cost effective as possible.

Principles

The following principles apply to all decisions made at the university regarding information system change. Although they apply to all personnel, they will most frequently be used by those responsible for designing technology-enabled solutions.

Read the full Enterprise Architecture Principles document

General Principles

  • Principled Decision making
  • Maximize value to the university
  • Maintain transparency
  • Plan for continued operations
  • Minimize duplication
  • Maintain legal and regulatory compliance
  • Risk-based approach to security
  • Information systems responsibility
  • Continuous improvement 

Technology Principles

  • Convergence with the enterprise architecture
  • Enterprise architecture applies to external IT providers
  • Technology independence
  • Ease-of-use
  • Component simplicity and reusability
  • Reuse interfaces

Application Principles

  • Requirement based change
  • Responsive change management
  • Control technical diversity
  • Seamless integration

Data Principles

  • Data is an asset
  • Data is a shared resource
  • Common vocabulary and data definitions
  • Data is easily accessible
  • Data manager

Technology Assessment

If you are considering purchasing or updating an information system

Consult the Technology Assessment team when considering adopting a new service or modifying/replacing an existing one. The review process will ensure the solution you implement is cost efficient, integrates with other university technology, protects the information of the university and the solution will continue to provide long-term value to the university.