Changes to systems take forever and are very expensive. Changes also result in increasing complexity - rendering future change even slower and even more expensive. What is needed is a more systematic and holistic way of planning to meet the organisation's information needs that avoids these problems. What is emerging to fill this need is the concept of the information architecture. The information architecture is the collective term used to describe the various components of the overall information infrastructure.
Prime components are the data architecture, the systems architecture and the computer architecture.
The various decisions that relate to the development of information-related innovations need to be considered in a holistic manner. This allows the prioritisation of systems, and associated investments, to support the businesses strategy of the firm while recognising the importance of the technological environment, and the external environment. Such an approach should consider the needs of the various stakeholders. Again, the existence of a clear business strategy reconciles resource conflicts and differing priorities. Approaching the issue in a holistic manner allows the prioritisation of systems, and associated investments, to support the businesses strategy of the firm while recognising the importance of the technological environment.