I've had a couple recent experiences with large companies Enterprise Architecture (EA) practices and generally found that one of two scenarios exist.  Either they have a robust and well defined EA methodology and are strictly (or at least have the illusion of) adhering to it, or they understand what EA means but have chosen to only implement or govern tactical pieces of it.

Large companies generally have the staff and resources available to support and maintain a corporate wide EA discipline but what about small to mid-size businesses?  It is likely impractical to expect smaller companies or organizations to implement and promote all of the processes and deliverables that frameworks such as TOGAF or Zachman prescribe.  However, there are a few important items that I will call out that I have seen be extremely effective when implementing EA.