The Journey to Completing My English Enterprise Architecture Book
It’s hard to believe, but I’m in the final stages of completing my English-language enterprise architecture (EA) book—a project that has proven to be just as challenging as it is rewarding. While the bulk of the translation process is done, transforming the manuscript into its final form has been far more demanding than I initially imagined.
The biggest challenge? Condensing over 300 pages into a concise, actionable book of no more than 150 pages and under 65,000 words. It’s not just about cutting content—it’s about making tough decisions to prioritize the most important insights while ensuring the book remains practical and impactful.
That said, there’s one thing I won’t compromise on: the EA content examples. These diagrams have been consistently highlighted as the most valuable part of the original book by readers, and I’m determined to keep them as a central part of the English version as well.
Surprisingly, this phase of the project has taken more effort than I anticipated. By the time I’m done, it will likely account for a third of the total time I spent writing and editing the Finnish version.
Looking back, the Finnish book came together in some of the most memorable places: in a holiday cabin, on a train, in a bar, and even in a motorhome while traveling. This time around, the process has been far less exotic. Most of the work has been done at my desk at home. Yet, despite the more mundane surroundings, the effort has been just as intense—if not more so!
Why This Book?
EA is a critical discipline, enabling organizations to navigate complexity, align strategy with execution, and adapt to change. Over the years, I’ve seen how powerful EA can be—but I’ve also seen how often it’s misunderstood, dismissed as overly theoretical, or underutilized by leadership and business experts.
I wrote this book because I believe EA can and should be practical. My goal is to demystify the discipline, providing actionable insights and real-world examples that make EA approachable and valuable to anyone who works with it.
When I reviewed the English-language literature on EA, I noticed a glaring gap. Few books cover most aspects of EA in a single, practical volume. Many focus narrowly on frameworks, methodologies, or the business context, leaving practitioners to piece together a fragmented understanding of the field.
I wanted to fill that gap. This book offers a holistic view of EA, covering everything from strategy and operating models to skills, tools, and architecture content. It’s designed to be both accessible and actionable.
The positive reception of my Finnish book inspired me to expand its reach. Writing this English version has given me the opportunity to refine and distill its key lessons, tailoring them to resonate with a global audience.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is for anyone involved in or curious about EA, regardless of their level of experience. Whether you’re:
A seasoned EA professional looking for fresh perspectives,
A leader seeking to understand how EA can drive organizational success, or
A newcomer searching for a clear and practical introduction,
...this book is designed to meet you where you are.
Readers can expect a concise and practical guide packed with tools, frameworks, and real-world examples that can be applied immediately. My goal is to equip readers with the knowledge and confidence to make EA a meaningful part of their organization’s success.
Next Steps
Recently, I sent the manuscript to a few trusted colleagues for peer review, and I’m eagerly awaiting their feedback. Their insights will be invaluable in ensuring the book is as clear, engaging, and useful as possible.
The good news? The finish line is in sight. My goal is to deliver the final manuscript to the publisher by late February, and I’m genuinely excited to share this work with a wider audience.
Thank you for following along on this journey! Stay tuned for more updates as the book moves closer to publication.
📚✨ What are your thoughts on making EA more practical and accessible? I’d love to hear your perspective!