{"id":585,"date":"2018-12-14T11:26:23","date_gmt":"2018-12-14T11:26:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/?p=585"},"modified":"2023-05-12T09:18:48","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T09:18:48","slug":"what-does-a-solutions-architect-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/what-does-a-solutions-architect-do\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does A Solutions Architect Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p dir=\"ltr\">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.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Solution architecture is a launching pad for any IT company. In this article, we\u2019ll be discussing the role of a solution architect and the specific skills that such a position entails.<\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\">Enterprise Architect &amp; Technical Architect Vs. Solution Architect<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">First of all, let\u2019s define the notions of solution architecture and solution architect.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Solution architecture<\/strong>\u00a0is a process of tailoring software engineering to meet specific business needs.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>An enterprise architect<\/strong>\u00a0hones in on constructing complex enterprise eco-systems and is focused on solving high-level technical problems.\u00a0Enterprise architecture is characterized by strategies of the business structure (architecture) while providing a better handle on what technical aspects are needed to uphold the architecture.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>A solution architect<\/strong>\u00a0is responsible for all broad-brush technical strategy for a unique product. Solution architecture is a complex process with many stages covering a wide range of issues geared toward addressing particular business problems. This includes:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ol>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Searching for the optimal technical knowhow to address specific types of business issues.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ol>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Delineating how project stakeholders relate to the structure and features of particular software.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ol>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Specifying the solution\u2019s functional requirements and the necessary stages for its implementation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Preparing specifications that set the boundaries for the solution\u2019s parameters and its final delivery.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A technical architect chiefly supervises software architecture and technical engineering. One way to depict the interactions between all three architectures would be to imagine a matryoshka doll:<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1700\" height=\"1200\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-586\" src=\"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/TOJdn8y9Hr7l3HbiZrkpZU5lVsFWiKLm.jpg\" alt=\"solutions architect description\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/TOJdn8y9Hr7l3HbiZrkpZU5lVsFWiKLm.jpg 1700w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/TOJdn8y9Hr7l3HbiZrkpZU5lVsFWiKLm-150x106.jpg 150w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/TOJdn8y9Hr7l3HbiZrkpZU5lVsFWiKLm-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/TOJdn8y9Hr7l3HbiZrkpZU5lVsFWiKLm-768x542.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/TOJdn8y9Hr7l3HbiZrkpZU5lVsFWiKLm-1024x723.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1700px) 100vw, 1700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Solution architecture helps visualize how different aspects of information and business and technology structures can be applied toward a particular solution. Solution architecture concentrates more on IT technologies to solve a specific business riddle, and as such, creates a conduit between enterprise structure and technical structure. The latter is mostly occupied with technical issues. It\u2019s generally best when companies blend enterprise architecture operations with tech architecture activities working closely on a certain project.<\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\">Solution Architect Roles And Responsibilities<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The solution architect\u2019s chief role implies making project-level decisions which should correspond to general and specific business objectives. Such a person has the following responsibilities:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ol>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Assessing the overall technology environment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ol>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Identifying enterprise specific details<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ol>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Identifying and recording functional requirements<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ol>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Setting the parameters for cooperation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ol>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Creating a solution prototype<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ol>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Selecting the appropriate information technology<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ol>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Managing solution project development<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Backing up\u00a0project management\u00a0throughout the project<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Additionally, a solution architect exercises a leadership role over a project manager (PM). Such a role presupposes working closely with a PM to make sure resources, plans, and strategies are in tune with the project\u2019s objectives.<\/p>\n<div>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\">Solution Architect Description<\/h2>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">Solution Architect Technical Skills<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">What would a portfolio for such a professional look like? Let\u2019s examine some core skills of a good solution architect.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Managing and leading engineering and development teams requires specific technical expertise, so a solution architect should have approximately eight years of work experience in one or more IT areas:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Engineering and software architecture design<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Information technology architecture, infrastructure, cloud development<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Project and product management, a leading role in\u00a0software development<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">DevOps<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Business analysis<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">Outstanding Communication Skills<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A good solution architect should excel in communication with stakeholders while having a good grasp on how to negotiate with different parties. This person should know how to handle risk situations and meet deadlines for product delivery. In addition, this position implies working closely with enterprise and software architects (and working with a services team as well). Thus, a skilled solution architect should have a good listening ear and an empathetic heart.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">An Analytical Mind Is A Must<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1700\" height=\"1200\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-587\" src=\"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/y5tnWndghUIfbvwcbM24NUIbIsY9Ef1u.jpg\" alt=\"solution architect\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/y5tnWndghUIfbvwcbM24NUIbIsY9Ef1u.jpg 1700w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/y5tnWndghUIfbvwcbM24NUIbIsY9Ef1u-150x106.jpg 150w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/y5tnWndghUIfbvwcbM24NUIbIsY9Ef1u-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/y5tnWndghUIfbvwcbM24NUIbIsY9Ef1u-768x542.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/y5tnWndghUIfbvwcbM24NUIbIsY9Ef1u-1024x723.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1700px) 100vw, 1700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Developing software requires possessing an analytical mind that is able to assemble the many different jigsaw puzzle pieces of efforts into one coherent and cohesive picture of productivity. A skilled architect acknowledges the importance of building up a corporate strategy.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This person should be experienced with how to orchestrate those business operations which contribute to a company\u2019s ongoing success. Moreover, an architect should be well-informed about various technical specifications. Solution architects need to be comfortable with analysis on a variety of business levels.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\">Skilled in Project &amp; Resource Management<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A solution architect isn\u2019t directly involved in project management but needs to ensure deadlines are met, and the appropriate resources are involved.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In brief, solution architects are hugely important decision-makers who test plans of their development teams, determine which projects are most beneficial. They should be business-minded professionals striving to achieve the best business results while optimizing available resources. Their role in the software process shouldn\u2019t be underestimated.<\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\">Final Words<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Solution architecture is the bedrock of every successful development effort. A company seeking to adopt such a framework should work toward matching their architecture, skills, resources with desired business results. Integrating such a structure is dependent upon selecting a skilled solution architect.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Solution architect description encompasses many skills that are essential for a successful leadership role. To be sure, solution architect technical skills are a must, but communication skills are also equally important. They should be a master of both technical competencies and personal interaction.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Content created by our partner, Onix-systems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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. Solution architecture is a launching pad for any IT company. In this article, we\u2019ll be discussing the role [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":588,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-585","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/585","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=585"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/585\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3931,"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/585\/revisions\/3931"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/588"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=585"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=585"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=585"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}