We hope now you have got an idea of – What is a solutions architect and can move further with the process. 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. 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.
As a result, we can say that a solution architect’s work consists of analytical work, not just technical work. One of the most sought-after roles in software development companies is as a solution architect. The solution architect works with the development team to create and integrate information and computing systems that meet specific needs. In other words, architect duties are connected with integrating software and hardware. The solution architecture was designed considering all the business requirements.
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The solution architect’s focus is on developing and documenting solutions for specific architectural issues intended to enable a particular business outcome. Many SAs will have the tools to move into corporate or business planning, other senior IT positions, different architecture what does solution architect do roles, or even a CTO. Prior to considering solution architecture, we recommend exploring enterprise architecture frameworks that combine both solution and enterprise levels. Certifications are intended to validate the skills and expertise of solution architects.
If you have already realized the importance of solution architecture in your projects, the next step is to source and hire the person for the role. While the practice can be managed in-house, there are companies that provide solution architecture consulting as a specific set of services. Solution architecture is the practice of designing, describing, and managing solution engineering to match it with specific business problems. For example, protecting customer data under GDPR and other privacy regulations is a business-level problem.
Estimation of Project Outcomes
Alternatively, a software architect will be involved in the build phase of the project. Their job is to define and document software structures based on known functional and non-functional requirements. This will enable software engineers to produce the solution as defined, reviewed, and approved by the solution architect. Most will already have several years (5-10) of hands-on experience in software development, network administration, or information technology. It helps them develop a strong understanding of the tools and technologies involved in designing solutions. A solution architect’s salary expectations will range based on experience, achieved certifications, and qualifications.
This person works closely with top-level executives and decision-makers as he or she demonstrates to them the business value of suggested technical initiatives. Solution architecture belongs to the list of most important practices executed before any tech solution development begins. 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.
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For example, here’s the tech stack we used while working on Blockbuster, a video streaming platform. For example, a travel provider like Booking.com wants to create https://www.globalcloudteam.com/ an app to let customers book flights, hotels, and cabs from mobile devices. Alena Meyer is an author with a background in project management, sales, and marketing.
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. The final component to the role of solution architect is the motivation and guidance of the development leads. Development leaders need to buy into and accept the architecture, to know how the pieces will fit together at a high level.
Meeting the requirements of all stakeholders
After developing a strategic technical vision of the product, the solution architect is involved in estimating the budget and presenting it to the stakeholders. Once everything is agreed upon, he or she monitors the process of development and keeps stakeholders informed about the progress. A solutions architect is responsible for evaluating an organization’s business needs and determining how IT can support those needs leveraging software, hardware, or infrastructure. Aligning IT strategy with business goals has become paramount, and a solutions architect can help determine, develop, and improve technical solutions in support of business goals.
As it’s a critical technical and leadership role within a company, the position is well-paid and highly sought-after. Digital transformation requires businesses to reconsider either how they deliver value to their customers or what they will eventually deliver. There’s no way to answer these questions without linking technology and business perspectives, which is squarely in a solution architect’s wheelhouse. 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 Indispensable Expert: Exploring the Role of a Solution Architect
As the job title implies, this specialist primarily focuses on solution-level decisions and evaluation of their impact on a client’s overarching business objectives and outcomes. An architect is one of the most significant and client-facing roles in the IT industry. Its importance is nonetheless often overlooked or even completely ignored by companies at both ends.
- There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.
- It’s a solution architect’s responsibility to ensure that the login process goes as fast and seamless and possible.
- This is because their positions sound similar and the responsibilities overlap partially.
- The SA skill set is slightly broader and requires a bit more finesse, however, fundamentally the same.
- Given the escalating dependence on complex IT systems and cloud solutions, the job market for Solution Architects is positive.
They also should be able to understand the technical specifications of many different software solutions and hardware and perform analysis of different business layers. Architects are also responsible for the project context from the very beginning to the current moment. They need to remember all the details of the projects and ideas to validate and approve them on time. While the skill sets that we have mentioned above are crucial in nature, the solutions architects will also need to have a knack for clear communication. As a part of everyday activities, they will have to interact with developers, managers, project teams, and software architects plus the different stakeholders. For this level of extensive collaboration, it is crucial that they are able to share the vision and updates around the project in a way that every individual stakeholder understands and responds to.
Solutions architect skill sets
The average salary for a solutions architect is $119,000 per year, according to data from PayScale. Reported salaries range from $75,000 to $160,000 per year, and entry-level workers average around $76,000 per year. The highest paid solutions architects are located in San Jose and San Francisco, where the reported average salaries are $144,000 and $132,000 per year, respectively. 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.