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Bill Shaw to head Enterprise Architecture Group

Bill Shaw, currently a project development engineer in District 6, recently was named manager of ITD’s new Enterprise Architecture Group and will begin shaping its development on Jan. 18.

Enterprise Architecture (EA) is a new “best practice” model that ultimately will encompass most of ITD’s business processes. The three principle components of EA, Shaw explains, are business rules, technology and information. Although the new operating model is part of the department’s technology transformation, it is much more pervasive and will have broader implications than just technology.

The adoption of the Enterprise Architecture model can be traced to about 2000 when state administrators were challenged to evaluate the way government operates and look for business solutions that produce greater efficiency. Many of the basic tenants of EA already are evident in the way ITD operates, although they are not formally recognized as such.

Shaw’s immediate challenge is to develop a staffing plan that will include six to eight enterprise architects who will help ITD identify how and where to apply the new business processes. Basic job descriptions are posted on the department’s IT Transformation site on the Intranet.

Employees who completed a technology boot camp and passed a subsequent test are initially qualified to apply for the EA positions.

“As a best practice (enterprise architecture) is fairly new to the department,” Shaw explains. “It draws from some of the quality initiatives of the 1980s and 1990s.” ITD is the first state department in Idaho to adopt the business model.

“Enterprise Architecture brings together some of what we have been doing, but under a formal, clearly identifiable umbrella.”

Communication is one of the most important challenges Shaw faces – both in terms of gathering information about current business processes and explaining the benefits of Enterprise Architecture. Because development of the new business model will involve dialogue across the department, the role of enterprise architects has not been clearly defined yet.

Shaw, 47, is a native of Wyoming and grew up in Montana, the son of a land surveyor. He earned a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Montana and a bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of Wyoming. A registered professional engineer, he has worked for ITD since 1997.

Before joining the District 6 engineering staff, he worked for ICF Kaiser Engineers, Oakland, Calif., at a contract site in eastern Idaho. He has spent most of his career in land surveying and engineering.

Shaw will set up a new Enterprise Architecture office in room 119 at Headquarters, accessible from the main lobby. Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 18, he can be reached at 334-8459.

“We are excited to have Bill join the new corporate IT team, and we look forward to his becoming an integral part of the IT transformation that we are undergoing in the department,” said Sue Simmons, administrator of the Division of Administrative Services.