Complexity Metrics

A study proposes a spectrum of metrics tailored to measure the complexity of enterprise application architectures, which can be broadly categorized into three groups:

Heterogeneity-focused Metrics: These metrics offer a lens to view the diverse technologies within an organization’s systems, including:

• Different technologies
• Programming languages
• Middleware solutions
• Database systems
• Data exchange protocols

Recognizing such diversities can spotlight areas that might benefit from standardization.

Topology-based Metrics: These delve into the structural makeup of an organization’s systems, considering:

• Application count
• Information flow paths
• Overall functional scope
• Levels of customization

Through these metrics, one can identify segments of the architecture that may be streamlined.

Common Industry Metrics: Generally accepted across the software realm, these metrics touch upon the following:

• User base
• Transaction volume
• Reports
• System interfaces
• Batch processing tasks
• Database tables

Using these, organizations can gauge their system’s complexity relative to general industry benchmarks, potentially highlighting improvement areas.

Metrics in Practice: A Closer Look

Two enterprises – a telecommunications provider and a biopharmaceutical company – served as test cases for these metrics. For the former, the metrics underscored a notable heterogeneity in its systems, suggesting that standardization might be a route to explore. Conversely, the biopharmaceutical firm showed marked customization, indicating opportunities for system consolidation.

Conclusion

Introducing these complexity metrics has provided a fresh perspective on deciphering and managing enterprise application architecture. With these tools, organizations are better equipped to navigate, understand, and optimize their infrastructural labyrinths, enabling them to adapt and thrive in today’s challenging business environment.