What is technical architecture?

Technical architecture during the mainframe days was

simple: There was one big computer (the mainframe)
with dumb terminals attached to it. Then came the
client-server era. Now we have a mini computer (the
server) and several PCs connected to it through a local
area network configuration. With advanced
networking, distributed computing became affordable
and widespread -- in large part because of the need to
access enterprise applications from more than one
location
Knowing the players and the issues
Someone has to prepare the blueprint for the
infrastructure and provide specifications for its
components. The architects have to consider both the
current and future requirements of both the enterprise
and the application being deployed.
Enterprise-level technical architects plan the overall
infrastructure of the company and lay down standards
on how various applications are going to use it.
Figure 1 illustrates the high-
level technical architecture of
a typical enterprise
application.

Figure 1. Technical
architecture of an
enterprise application
Impact of the Web
We all know how the Internet and the Web have had a
major impact on life during the last decade. Enterprise
applications have also been affected: They have had to
change and evolve to meet the needs of a connected
world, and continue to do so today. Most companies
had already invested huge sums of money in their
enterprise network and applications. New applications
like e-mail and intranets also challenged the enterprise
infrastructure.
What Is Organizational Architecture?
The term Organizational Architecture refers to the
structure and form by which a business operates. All
types of businesses, from marketing firms to corporate
restaurant chains, operate under this concept
Organizational Architecture as a Metaphor
The architecture of a home or an office building helps
to form the manner in which we conduct ourselves.
Organizational Architecture applies principles of
conventional architecture to the area of business
management. Organizational Architecture ensures
that all components of a business function cohesively
to achieve its goals. These components can include:
Suppliers
Distribution
Customers
Employees
Models of Organizational Architecture
teaches a 3-part model, which includes assignment of
decision rights, compensation systems and performance
evaluation. Another model is the Tricord Model, which also
uses three main points, including strategy, systems and
culture. This model illustrates that these three components all
contribute to a company's identity. Another model is the 5-
point Star Model. This model includes some of the points as
the previous two with specific additions in the following areas:
Human Resource Management
Structure
Business Processes
Command of an Organizational Architecture Program
Upon implementation of an Organizational
Architecture plan, management professionals must
carefully monitor its processes. This requires
extremely strong communication skills, motivational
skills and firm understanding of the business' goals.
Clear direction is imperative when a company changes
its modes of operation.