Case Study: IBM achieves improved EA–solution designer collaboration, standardized roadmaps and $80K design savings with Corso's ABB framework

Helping enterprise architects and solution designers work together more productively, and building a roadmap for the future

IBM’s Business Transformation / CIO organization created an enterprise architecture (EA) team to better translate strategy into IT transformation and to avoid the “ivory tower” problem of EA being disconnected from delivery teams. The team faced two key challenges: bridge the “great divide” between enterprise architects and solution designers so design teams could reuse approved solutions and assets, and improve visibility into the current and future IT landscape, project status, costs and risks to support better investment decisions.

Working with partner Corso, IBM deployed an architecture building block (ABB) framework using IBM Rational System Architect plus Corso’s Team Solution Design and Team EA plugins, standardized language and governance, and introduced an eight-step roadmapping process. The integrated solution (linked to Rational Focal Point and Cognos BI) made architecture assets easy to share, improved traceability and prioritization, and boosted productivity—in one case re‑using a single diagram saved roughly $80,000 by eliminating about 90 days of work—while creating consistent roadmaps and stronger collaboration across teams.

IBM

Gwen Murphy

Global Enterprise Architecture and Governance Practice Leader