Infrastructure SA gathers the business requirements and develops an infrastructure strategy that aligns with the business goals. You may have a large project that requires someone to manage designers, technical or business architect teams to produce a quality technical project outcome. While these aspects are constraints in themselves, each of them has its own limitations. The solution architect must understand all these constraints, compare them, and then make a number of technological and managerial decisions to reconcile these restrictions with project goals.
The distributed software of the global world requires more effort on the part of the SA and increases their need. Perhaps the most important tool in the toolbox is a visual documentation language, such as UML. The UML structure for describing a variety of different views of the software development problem in pictorial form is the most recognizable visual documentation language for developers. The SA should be familiar with each of the various UML forms and have expertise in the development of use cases, class diagrams, and occasionally state diagrams as well. Mastery of UML allows quicker, easier, and better communication with the DLs and the developers. Where the development lead focuses on detailed knowledge of a particular area the SA is very broad.
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In this article, we’ll discuss what solution architecture is, describe the role of a solution architect, and explain how the adoption of this expertise can help solve business problems. Architect is how to deal with different people, and their feelings, and the human psychology of navigating a given situation. A solution architect is sometimes confused with enterprise architect solution architect performance goals and software architect. This is because their positions sound similar and the responsibilities overlap partially. Yet, each role is essential for a project’s success and cannot be substituted by another position. A solution architect is responsible for the design, development, and evolution of the architectural solution of a product or ecosystem of a company’s products.
- Use this Solution Architect job description to advertise your vacancies and find qualified candidates.
- Mail, Chat, Call or better meet us over a cup of coffee and share with us your development plan.
- They also should be able to understand the technical specifications of many different software solutions and hardware and perform analysis of different business layers.
- We provide companies with senior tech talent and product development expertise to build world-class software.
- And yet, a technical architect may be responsible for infrastructure as well.
- A senior architect also participates in complex and critical projects, and provides consultation and advice to other architects and stakeholders.
- As for the business owners, it allows them to assess candidates’ tech knowledge and to define if they’re experienced enough to be involved in your project.
One of the most important challenges of software product development is meeting the stakeholders’ requirements. Usually, a product has a number of stakeholders that are both technical and non-technical specialists. Solution architecture’s aim is to ensure that all their requirements are taken into account. Stakeholders have to be regularly informed about product development processes, costs, and budgeting. These tasks are usually done by a solution architect who translates technical project details into a language that management and non-technical stakeholders can understand.
How Solution Architects Affect Company Success
A solutions architect must view the long-term use of this product and implement scalability and adaptability into the solution for the future. This specialist is responsible for making sure the future solution will perfectly fit all business requirements and end-user needs. They are the ones who oversee the successful implementation of the quality solution. Therefore, they have to possess a clear understanding of the client’s vision and goals to achieve productive and effective outcomes.
Or consider a specialization such as IBM’s for DevOps, Cloud, and Agile Foundations to learn some of the most popular concepts and methodologies for managing the development process. 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. They cooperate with all the teams involved in the development process and need to know how every product and service works in solution architecture. These professionals need all their knowledge to oversee the successful delivery of a quality end product to its end users.
Enterprise architect vs solution architect vs technical architect
They ensure the smooth fit of the solution within the existing architecture and the fulfillment of the defined business objectives. Solutions Architects contribute to successfully realizing the intended outcomes by providing guidance and direction throughout the implementation process. Other tools and processes exist the ones that the SA will have to master are based on what the organization has chosen. Although some of the most common degrees solutions architects hold are bachelor’s degrees in information technology, computer science, or software information. According to Zippia, 66 percent of solutions architects have a bachelor’s degree, and 24 percent have a master’s [3]. A candidate with an MBA in information systems may also be a good fit for a role as a solutions architect.
That’s why there are several subtypes of architecture that handle various functional and non-functional requirements and aspects. For example, they include business, information, security, system, technology, and so on. You might be working on a complex project that needs someone to manage the technical, design, and architecture teams. They will play a role in talking to the stakeholders as well, converting technical information into layman’s.
Enterprise Architect vs Technical Architect vs Solutions Architect
A well-planned solution architecture helps the team working on a project to meet deadlines, act on the budget, and create a solution according to previously agreed customer requirements. Let’s take a look at what specific processes the solution architect works with. It’s also worth mentioning that the role of a solution architect is not limited just to ideation. To make it clearer, let’s look at the tasks solution architect job description should include. Simply put, solution architecture is a high-level description of a software product in the context of the problems it solves.
Simply put, this is the foundation of the product on which the long-term success of any project depends. Solution architecture is oriented on specific business problems of the company and serves to achieve business goals. As we navigate an epoch characterized by rapid technological advancements, the role of a Solution Architect becomes instrumental in steering organizations toward their envisioned digital objectives.
Main processes covered by solution architecture
Even though the roles may seemingly blend together, they all serve distinct functions to successfully transform from the current technology state to the future integrated technology vision. A solutions architect also bridges communication between IT and business operations to ensure everyone is aligned in developing and implementing technical solutions for business problems. The process requires regular feedback, adjustments, and problem-solving in order to properly design and implement potential solutions.
A widespread misunderstanding is that they are the most skilled developers or experts, extraordinarily adept in the project’s technology stack. While possessing a profound understanding of project technologies and demonstrating coding expertise is essential, these are not the only nor the definitive attributes of a Solution Architect. As a rule, these top-level specialists have already achieved outstanding results in development, team leading, or project management. They must possess in-depth expertise and long-term experience on both the technology and non-technology side of projects. In the process of converting requirements to an architecture there are often parts of the SA’s role which seem out of place.
What are the different types and levels of solution architecture roles and responsibilities?
Their proficiency lies in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting within their domain of expertise. The Technical Architect’s role is more granular, working within the framework laid down by the Enterprise Architect, focusing on how specific technologies can be applied to achieve that overarching vision. Dispelling misconceptions about the role of a Solution Architect is a good starting point for gaining a precise understanding of their responsibilities.
When Does a Company Need to Hire a Solution Architect?
The candidate’s in-depth mastery of cloud computing and solution architect’s certification requires special mention. The predominant providers grant experts the possibility to officially confirm their top-notch expertise, e.g. by obtaining AWS solution architect certification, Azure solution architect certification, etc. Such proficiency recognition necessitates a practical mastery of cloud engineering tools, principles, and systems. In addition, examinees must know how to plan, design, and manage the infrastructure and provide for its security and scalability. It’s worth mentioning that these official confirmations expire, and thus, the exams must be retaken every few years or so.
They create a technical vision first to show how the software would fulfill the needs of the business. These architects work at the enterprise level, designing solutions aligning with the overall business strategies and goals. As a result, enterprise solutions architects often broadly understand multiple business units and organizational functions. The role of a solution architect is to ensure the product meets business requirements and requirements from other stakeholders.
