ICT Strategy 2013 - Hays

3.1 Architectural Principles
The following set of Architectural Principles, which will govern the design and provisioning of the
Council’s ICT services, are summarised in the following table. There is no set priority contained
within these principles with the relative priority of each considered on a case by case basis.
Ref Architecture Principle Explanation
1 Generic capabilities in
systems where possible,
versus bespoke systems
2 Control technical diversity
and consolidate
The Council will pursue a strategy of configuring fit-for-purpose
packaged software rather than bespoke software development,
and wherever possible encourage the use of “vanilla” products
with minimal local customisation.
The Council will seek to minimise and standardise the portfolio
of technology implemented across the business. We will seek to
consolidate technology so that multiple solutions share core
infrastructure appropriately. We will capitalise on
organisational-wide licensing benefits and remove multiple
versions of the same software whenever possible. We will also
seek to ensure that all projects embed decommissioning
activities as part of project deliverables and cost.
3 Prioritise supportability The Council will procure and implement solutions that inherently
consider the whole life support skills and resources required so
that service delivery can be maintained and ensure projects
embed IT and business staff training as part of project
deliverables and cost. We will ensure that projects consider the
on-going support requirements as part of their decision making
processes, and ensure the resources to deliver these are
identified.
4 Design common use
solutions that promote
reuse of business
functionality
5 Maximise existing and
future ICT investment
6 Embed appropriate
Disaster Recovery and
Business Continuity
provision
7 Ensure availability of ICT
Services
The Council will seek to provide generic ICT capabilities available
to the whole organisation that can be repurposed to deliver
specific solutions for individual service areas. Where
appropriate we will also enable the reuse of standard business
process and functionality.
ICT provisioning decisions will control cost of ownership and
support business needs whilst balancing cost, functionality, risk
and benefits. This includes reuse of existing applications,
infrastructure and skills/capabilities within the business and with
our partners. This principle will not impose unacceptable
limitations on transformation, and the enterprise architecture
will govern the introduction of technology according to actual
business need.
Solutions and infrastructure will be selected, configured and
deployed in such a way that the business is protected from
individual component failures according to prioritised risk and
impact assessments. We will ensure appropriate contingencies
and reduce risk for when serious failures occur.
Solutions and infrastructure will be designed to meet the
required levels of availability of the business. This may include
special provision at key times to support periodic fluctuations in
demand for the service area.
South Gloucestershire Council Business ICT Strategy 2013-2016 Page 16 of 30