ARCHIVED - Interview Guide

2.  Architecture

General

1. Is the IM/IT infrastructure in place to manage the data, applications, hardware, software, and networks for e-government applications?

1. Is there a business process architecture in place which supports e-government applications?
2. To what extent are there consistent methods for creating business process descriptions and automated tools to support these methods?

• To what extent are service delivery processes documented and well understood?
• Is staff familiar with the automated tools which support methods for creating business process descriptions?
• To what extent are business process methods in place to facilitate process transformation?
• Can these business process methods allow for process integration across organizational boundaries?

1. Is there a security strategy in place which addresses the organization's architecture (e.g. firewalls, passwords, access from other networks, etc.)
2. Does the security strategy also give guidance on new technologies, standards and policies?

• Is the security architecture being adhered to throughout the organization?
• Are there regular reviews/ audits to assess compliance?

• Are trends in technology being monitored to keep the security architecture up-to-date?

1. Is there a data architecture in place and data management standards which, for example, define data objects in the organization to support sharing of data across the organization?
2. Are there protocols for data transfer to facilitate data sharing across the organization and with business partners, clients and suppliers?

• Is there a formal data architecture in place across the organization?
• Are standards for data formats, data transfer and business object definitions standard across the entire organization?
• Are there tools in place which support access to information assets across the organization, even if they are in different applications on different platforms?
• Are data management standards communicated with clients, business partners and suppliers?
• Are the data management standards compatible with those used externally?

1. Is there an application architecture which ensures that e-government software and tools will be consistent across the whole organization?

• Does the application architecture for e-government applications also address tools such as configuration management, problem detection and correction, and performance measurement?
• Is the use of this architecture consistent throughout the organization?
• To what extent do the application architecture standards facilitate connection with clients, suppliers and business partners?