A solutions architect is a senior technical position tasked with devising the technical vision to solve business problems. A cloud architect is responsible for overseeing a company’s cloud computing strategy. SAs need a strong knowledge of cloud computing systems and work with cloud architects to develop solutions related to the systems in place. Solutions architects will use various tools to develop their designs and diagrams. These tools – such as the LeanIX EAM – help SA’s map design IT infrastructure, produce diagrams and facilitate the to-be architecture. Therefore, selecting the best solutions architect tool can be essential to the success of the solution.
- They typically have a strong custom software development, system design, and project management background and may also have specialized knowledge in a particular industry or technology domain.
- For that, architects do some solution architecture — draw diagrams to understand which components are required for this app.
- As this change is quite complicated, every brand seeks an expert holding the required skillset and proficiency in balancing the business requirements with distinct modifications of technology solutions.
- An IT solution architect guides your processes when your target is enterprise solutions or to make your existing product grow.
- Additionally, the remuneration is determined by the number of years of experience, technical proficiency, level of seniority, and soft skills.
- The Enterprise Solution Architect oversees the IT infrastructure of an entire enterprise in terms of business entities, properties, external ecosystems, relationships, and more.
A software architect is a person who ensures that you spend money on tech solutions wisely instead of taking a shot in the dark. Specifically, they are responsible for bridging the gap between a company’s business strategy and the technical solutions it purchases or builds. Simply put, solution architecture is a high-level description of a software product in the context of the problems it solves. In other words, solution architecture shows how a system and its specific features help a company reach its determined business goals. No, solution architects do not require coding since many IT architects will already have experience with languages and Linux systems.
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Most of the time in their role they will analyze and lead software engineers and application architects to complete their projects. Solutions architects need a combination of hard and soft skills to succeed in the role. These include a strong knowledge of business processes, IT systems, and solutions, while also being able to communicate complex software processes. Solutions architects also need strong leadership skills and several years of hands-on experience in a related field. They will also need to assess the technical needs and capabilities during implementation. With analytical approach, solutions architects need to understand all of the technologies and topics related to a business to have a deep enough understanding to create a solution.
Next, they propose a combination of building blocks that provides the best possible solution. Michael believes not only in doing his job but doing his job right; acting more as an advocate for change, rather than just another person trying to sell the next great system.
Solutions Architect vs. Enterprise Architect vs. Technical Architect
This is one crucial point, as there are many different practices related to platforms, programming languages, and tools. The architect needs to determine which of the technologies will be most suitable for a particular project. This is a daunting task that requires experience with different technologies and highly relevant assessments. You will also need at least five years of experience working in software development and project management.
Depending on the role, you might also need experience in specific IT areas, such as networking administration, development, customer service, or other relevant areas. Solutions architects are a vital role in any organization that wants to align its business goals and needs with IT services, products, software, and infrastructure. If you’re already an IT architect, hopefully, you have a better understanding of your peers that are working hard to help put the systems you help create to good use.
What Is a Solutions Architect?
Of course, you don’t need to design and implement a solution architecture on all software development projects. For instance, if you want to create a simple one-page website, a coding team and a project manager will be able to do this without additional guidance from a solution architect’s side. The enterprise architecture tool is designed to help solutions architects manage the transformation and risk of an organization’s IT landscape. This tool leverages technology to make decisions quickly, map designs, and manage possible outcomes and risks of the chosen solution. The solution architecture discipline consists of several complex processes and sub-processes. Therefore, SAs plays a central role in an organization’s efforts to introduce and successfully implement new technology solutions.
A senior architect needs to have a proven track record of delivering successful solutions, as well as the ability to mentor and inspire others. It also requires clear communication skills and the ability to translate technical details of the project into simple language that will be easy for non-technical stakeholders to understand. Successful solutions architects are usually curious, rational, analytical, and methodical—all of which are important traits for this job.
Are you suited to be a solution architect?
Reviewing the pattern allows the architect to refresh their memory on the details of the pattern and to evaluate what additional guidance they will have to provide if they choose to use the pattern. The average annual base pay for a solutions architect in the US is $197,854, although it ranges from about $99,000 to $172,000, according to Glassdoor [1]. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for computer network architects are expected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031 [2]. As companies expand their information technology networks, the demand for solutions architects will likely increase. As we’ve listed a solution architect’s responsibilities, it would now be profitable to outline the essential skills required for a solution architect. An IT solution architect guides your processes when your target is enterprise solutions or to make your existing product grow.
The solution architecture was designed considering all the business requirements. We’ve considered a role-based access control (RBAC) with three different roles to enable access level management. Our team has also implemented core logical modules, features, and logical layers such as management of Documents, Actions, Training Records, and Human Resources to bring more value to our Customer. The interconnection of modules and solution elements is presented on the detailed product scheme. In addition to the project’s technical specifics, the architect must understand the business processes inside and outside the company and how it builds its corporate strategy and goals faces. As a result, we can say that a solution architect’s work consists of analytical work, not just technical work.
Solution Architecture
If there is a major shift in how personnel and business practices are done, it is likely that this was done under the advice of an enterprise architect. It’s the creation of a framework that will solve problems and plot a course toward success after taking the issues into consideration. It’s a specialized job that involves quite a bit of analysis, NLU models internal and external investigations, surveys, studies, and so much more. According to studies done with regard to emerging projects by tech companies both good and small, an average of nearly 50% of projects tends to fail within a few months of inception. This means that about half of new enterprises end up being a waste of time and money.
The synergy between these roles is key in building a long-lasting, effective enterprise architecture. Another responsibility of a solutions architect is to invest time into their craft; researching and understanding new technologies and solutions. You will likely need a bachelor’s degree or higher in information technology, computer science, software engineering, or a related field. For more senior roles, you may need more experience or education, including a master’s degree.
What Is a Solutions Architect? Roles, Skills, and Responsibilities
Before we dive into the topic, let’s clarify who is a solutions architect in general. In a quickly changing IT world, companies need to change their modus operandi to meet their current business needs. This digital makeover calls for a particular expertise and knowing how to re-adjust business interests with IT solutions. In the near future, the role of a Solution Architect will continue to evolve. With this transformation and the opportunity for growth, more and more professionals are setting their sights on this promising position that is already one of the highest-paid jobs in the IT industry.
The solution architect role may be the most sought after role in the software development process but it’s not without its challenges. Learning the broad array of skills, shouldering the responsibility, and dealing with the consequences can be more than the average mortal may want to take on. Perhaps the most critical skills for the SA are the ability to create consensus and understanding around the architecture. Once the SA has created the architecture it’s time to communicate and sell it.
If you want to reinforce existing business processes, our Solution Architects will eagerly assist you in implementing digital technology across the company. If many teams are involved in the process, you may need an IT solution architect who’ll manage software architects to produce a quality outcome. It must fit into the current enterprise architecture — the software the company’s been using before. For example, if you use legacy software, your brand-new admin plan should fit right in and communicate with that legacy system. Architects consider the existing company’s architecture to make sure the new product will work in the existing ecosystem. Solution architects position appeared in сompanies that create software on an industrial scale.