Architectural Changes Drive
Content
You can take a look at other articles in this series to learn more about the article's context.
It's not about the new technologies or new business models it's about "Architectural Changes". A closer look at the game-changer developments in the history of Enterprises' Business and IT reveals that it's been the new architectures that drive the evolution.
In this article, I'll take you through some of the architectural changes in the domain of Technology and Enterprises during the last century!
*all the images in this article are made by AI
Architectural Changes in Information Technology – a Historic View?
Here are some of the fundamental architectural transformations/development patterns since the embarking of computers.
Mainframe Computing: 1950s
This architecture was a large, centralized system that was housed in a data centre. Mainframes use terminals with no processing power as input/output devices.
Architectural Evolution: Centralized/Large scale Computing.
Client-Server Architecture: 1980s
In this architecture, personal computers (clients) divided computing tasks between a central server and individual client devices. Client-server architecture enabled distributed computing. This architecture forms IT networks.
Architectural Evolution: Distribution and Networking.
Internet and World Wide Web: 1990s
This architecture allowed global connectivity. The Internet operates on a distributed architecture, with interconnected networks.
Architectural Evolution: Accessibility and Interconnectivity.
Cloud Computing:2000s
This architect offers on-demand access to shared computing resources over the Internet. This architecture enabled remote data centres.
Architectural Evolution: Scalability, Generalization.
Virtualization:2000s
This architecture enables virtual environments vs. physical servers. It allows a single physical server used as multiple virtual machines (VMs).
Architectural Evolution: Optimization and Efficiency.
Microservices Architecture:2000s
It's an architecture in the Application Layer. It breaks down applications into loosely coupled services that operate independently.
Architectural Evolution: Agility, Scalability.
Edge Computing:2010s
As a distributed architecture, "Edge Computing" brings computational capabilities closer to the consumers and data source instead of sending all data to centralized servers and return back services to the consumers.
Architectural Evolution: Low latency and Real-time.
Blockchain Technology:2000s
This architecture is decentralized with a distributed ledger technology.
Architectural Evolution: Trust and Transparency.
领英推荐
Architectural Changes in Enterprises – a Historic View?
Following the IT architectural changes, inevitably enterprises' architectural transformations/development happened. here are some of the fundamental enterprises' architectural changes:
Functional Organizational Structure: 1900s
In this architecture, traditionally, departments were organized based on specific functions such as finance, operations, marketing, and human resources.
Architectural Evolution: Specialization and Expertise-based.
Matrix Organizational Structure:1960s
This architecture combined functional departments with cross-functional project teams. Employees reported to both functional managers and project managers.
Architectural Evolution: Collaboration and Flexibility.
Divisional Organizational Structure:1950s/1960s
This architecture grouped departments based on geographic regions, product lines, or customer segments. Each division operated autonomously, with its own resources and decision-making authority.
Architectural Evolution: Diversification and Adaptation.
Networked Organizations:1990s/2000s
This architecture forms strategic partnerships, alliances, and virtual teams to leverage external expertise, resources, and capabilities.
Architectural Evolution: Globalization, Agility, and Innovation.
Digital Transformation: 1990s/2000s
This architecture integrates digital technologies into all aspects of business operations, from customer engagement to internal processes. This architecture enables enterprises to leverage data, automation, analytics, and emerging technologies.
Architectural Evolution: Efficiency, Customer experience, and Innovation.
Agile and Lean Approaches: 1990s/2000s
This architecture emphasizes iterative development, collaboration, and flexibility, allowing enterprises to respond quickly to market demands. Lean principles focus on eliminating waste, optimizing processes, and delivering value to customers efficiently.
Architectural Evolution: Agility, and Adaptability.
Flat Organizational Structures: 1990s/2000s
This architectural change reduces hierarchical layers and encourages a more democratic workplace, promoting open communication, faster decision-making, and a sense of ownership among employees.
Architectural Evolution: Employee empowerment.
Digital Platforms and Ecosystems: 2000s/2010s
This architecture enables enterprises to connect customers, suppliers, and partners within an ecosystem. Like Uber and AirBnB with this architecture enterprises provide a foundation for collaboration, innovation, and value creation.
Architectural Evolution: Integrated services.
How Does it Help?
Studying the patterns and the impact of implementing them in real life is inspiring. At an enterprise level, each new architecture evolved the operating model of the enterprises and helps them to make life easier for people.
I want to end this article with an open question. I want you to think of how we could apply any of those patterns in the other domains of the enterprise.
For instance, "Edge Computing Pattern" is a pattern in the IT infrastructure domain that helps with more availability, faster data access and more real-time services, but what if we implement the same pattern in the domain of business processes for providing a better experience for our customers? I.e. what if some business processes have "Edge Processes"...!
Please join The Art of Enterprise Architecture if you are interested in Enterprise Architecture.