Explanation: Ensuring that the system is maintained in compliance with enterprise architecture (EA) standards is the most effective way to prevent an IT system from becoming technologically obsolete before its planned return on investment (ROI), because it ensures that the system is aligned with the current and future business needs, goals, and strategies of the organization. Enterprise architecture (EA) standards define the principles, guidelines, and best practices for designing, developing, and managing IT systems in a consistent, coherent, and integrated manner across the organization. By following EA standards, IT leaders can ensure that the system is compatible with the existing and emerging technologies, platforms, and frameworks that support the business processes and functions. EA standards also help IT leaders to monitor and evaluate the performance, quality, security, and reliability of the system, and to identify and address any gaps, issues, or risks that may affect its functionality or value. EA standards also facilitate the communication and collaboration among different stakeholders involved in the system lifecycle, such as business users, IT staff, vendors, and auditors. By maintaining the system in compliance with EA standards, IT leaders can ensure that the system delivers the expected benefits and value to the organization and achieves its planned ROI. References := ISO/IEC/IEEE 42020:2019(en), Software, systems and enterprise ? Architecture processes, Sample: Enterprise Architecture Standards - CIO Portal, Obsolescence management for IT leaders - Information Age