A Mathematical Model for Evaluation of Data Analytics Implementation Alternatives

Importance of data analytics continuously increases in modern organizations, and diversity of technologies for implementation of analytical components is also increasing. Enterprise architecture and analytical methods are helpful in selecting the most appropriate technology to ensure the right balance among strategic, development and usage considerations. This paper elaborates a mathematical model for evaluation of alternative solutions for implementation of analytical reports requested by users of enterprise applications. The alternative solutions are selected to minimize development and maintenance costs in accordance with enterprise architecture evolution principles such as centralization of common functionality and promotion of reuse. The enterprise architecture also provides input data necessary to run the model. Application of the model is demonstrated using an illustrative example highlighting some of the trade-offs faced by enterprises and systems architects. The model is intended as a decision-making guide during enterprise architecture change management.