Introduction to IT Architecture

As an IT professional, manager, executive, or aspiring IT architect, you may need to build a foundational understanding of IT architecture or deepen your existing knowledge. In this course, veteran IT management consultant David Pultorak guides you through the basics of IT architecture, including the role of IT architecture and the IT architect, traditional and modern IT architectures, IT architecture practices in small and large organizations, and commonly used IT architecture frameworks and methodologies. When you complete this course, you will have the knowledge and skills you need to use IT architecture for decision-making and strategic planning.

Learning objectives
Describe the role of IT architecture and the IT architect in organizations, and what it looks like when they are done right.
Compare traditional and modern IT architectures, and IT architecture practices in small and large organizations.
List and describe IT architecture frameworks and methodologies.
Explain approaches to reducing unnecessary complexity in IT architecture, including standardization and consolidation.
Explain how IT architecture underpins communication and collaboration in organizations.
Explain how IT architecture contributes to the goals of IT practices, including information security, regulatory compliance, risk, identity and access, and data storage management, communication and collaboration, technology updates, and disaster recovery.
Highlight advances in IT architecture, including hybrid and multi-cloud architectures, edge computing, microservices and containerization, serverless computing, zero trust security, artificial intelligence and machine learning integration, data mesh, observability and monitoring, quantum computing, and sustainability and green IT.