Each business is unique and technology will be applied in many different ways, therefore there will be a massive number of technology problems across a variety of industry sectors.  Whilst the specific application problems will vary from industry to industry, many will share the common problems identified in the horizontal technology section - data proliferation, integration issues, etc.  The absence of a solid technical and information architecture, which allows for current and fast changing future business requirements, will amplify the application problems encountered within a particular organization.

Whilst vertical industry problems need to be addressed, the presence of a solid technical and information architecture foundation should not be neglected.  For larger organizations, the Enterprise Architecture discipline is well documented through approaches such as the Zachman framework, OMG Model Drivel Architecture (MDA)

and The Open Group TOGAF.

Low cost enterprise architecture software tools, some partially funded by EU research projects, are now appearing to make this strategic discipline more attainable. 

For smaller organizations, a 'best practice' approach should at least be applied when reviewing the underlying technology and information architecture.  Once the strategic core architecture is established, then attention can be focused on the specific application problems that exist for a particular business domain.

We have identified some industry specific problems in the table below.  Over time we would like to add to this table by getting input from the problem experts - you!  If you are aware of significant technology related pressures within your industry, please take a moment to compete the form below the table.  The most commonly reported problems will be added to the table.  Highlighting the problems in this manner will attract greater focus on approaches to addressing the main issues.

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