Solutions Architect
Encyclopedia
A Solutions Architect in Enterprise Architecture
is a practitioner in the field of Solution Architecture
.
The role title has a wider meaning in relation to solving problems, but is more often used in the narrower domain of Technical architecture
- the context for the remainder of this definition. In this context, the Solutions Architect is a very experienced architect with cross-domain, cross-functional and cross-industry expertise. He/she outlines solution architecture descriptions, then monitors and governs their implementation.
or Systems Development Life Cycle
(SDLC), and has usually performed in a variety of different roles in that life cycle. The person needs an ability to share and communicate ideas verbally, both orally and in writing, to executive staff, business sponsors, and technical resources in clear concise language that is the parlance of each group.
A practitioner of Solution Architecture
, Systems engineering
and Software engineering
processes, the Solutions Architect is the person who organizes the development effort of a systems solution. The Solutions Architect is responsible for the development of the overall vision that underlies the projected solution and transforms that vision through execution into the solution. The Solutions Architect becomes involved with a project at the time of inception and is involved in the Functional analysis (FA) of developing the initial requirements. They then remain involved throughout the balance of the project.
The Solutions Architect is an expert in many categories. They should have hands-on experience in multiple industries and across several disciplines. They can master a variety of hardware platforms including mainframes, distributed platforms, desktops, and mobile devices. Akin to that they should also possess skill and understanding of a variety of Operating Systems including mainframe systems; (MVS,VM,zOS), Midrange systems; OS/400, Primos, VMS, a variety of Unix flavors; Solaris, AIX, HP-UX, System V, Linux, Desktop; Windows, Apple OS, DOS and mobile platforms; Windows CE, Palm OS etc. A broad and deep understanding of Databases is also required. Such as knowledge of Relational Databases; Oracle, Sybase, DB2 as well as flat file systems, and semi-flat file system; ISAM or VSAM.
Solutions Architects decide which technologies to use. They work very closely with developers to ensure proper implementation. They are the link between the needs of the organization and the developers.
Solution Architects in large organizations act as the bridge between the Enterprise Architect and the Application Architect.
The Solutions Architect has several essential duties and responsibilities, which include all or some combination of the following:
Enterprise architecture
An enterprise architecture is a rigorous description of the structure of an enterprise, which comprises enterprise components , the externally visible properties of those components, and the relationships between them...
is a practitioner in the field of Solution Architecture
Solution architecture
Solution architecture in enterprise architecture is a kind of architecture domain, that aims to address specific problems and requirements, usually through the design of specific information systems or applications.Solution architecture is either:...
.
The role title has a wider meaning in relation to solving problems, but is more often used in the narrower domain of Technical architecture
Technical architecture
Technical architecture is one of several architecture domains that form the pillars of an enterprise architecture or solution architecture. It describes the structure and behaviour of the technology infrastructure of an enterprise, solution or system...
- the context for the remainder of this definition. In this context, the Solutions Architect is a very experienced architect with cross-domain, cross-functional and cross-industry expertise. He/she outlines solution architecture descriptions, then monitors and governs their implementation.
Overview
The role of "Solutions Architect" requires knowledge and skills that are both broad and deep. To be effective the Solutions Architect must have experience on multiple Hardware and Software Environments and be comfortable with complex heterogeneous systems environments. The Solutions Architect is often a highly seasoned senior technocrat who has led multiple projects through the Software development processSoftware development process
A software development process, also known as a software development life cycle , is a structure imposed on the development of a software product. Similar terms include software life cycle and software process. It is often considered a subset of systems development life cycle...
or Systems Development Life Cycle
Systems Development Life Cycle
The systems development life cycle , or software development life cycle in systems engineering, information systems and software engineering, is a process of creating or altering information systems, and the models and methodologies that people use to develop these systems.In software engineering...
(SDLC), and has usually performed in a variety of different roles in that life cycle. The person needs an ability to share and communicate ideas verbally, both orally and in writing, to executive staff, business sponsors, and technical resources in clear concise language that is the parlance of each group.
A practitioner of Solution Architecture
Solution architecture
Solution architecture in enterprise architecture is a kind of architecture domain, that aims to address specific problems and requirements, usually through the design of specific information systems or applications.Solution architecture is either:...
, Systems engineering
Systems engineering
Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field of engineering that focuses on how complex engineering projects should be designed and managed over the life cycle of the project. Issues such as logistics, the coordination of different teams, and automatic control of machinery become more...
and Software engineering
Software engineering
Software Engineering is the application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software, and the study of these approaches; that is, the application of engineering to software...
processes, the Solutions Architect is the person who organizes the development effort of a systems solution. The Solutions Architect is responsible for the development of the overall vision that underlies the projected solution and transforms that vision through execution into the solution. The Solutions Architect becomes involved with a project at the time of inception and is involved in the Functional analysis (FA) of developing the initial requirements. They then remain involved throughout the balance of the project.
The Solutions Architect is an expert in many categories. They should have hands-on experience in multiple industries and across several disciplines. They can master a variety of hardware platforms including mainframes, distributed platforms, desktops, and mobile devices. Akin to that they should also possess skill and understanding of a variety of Operating Systems including mainframe systems; (MVS,VM,zOS), Midrange systems; OS/400, Primos, VMS, a variety of Unix flavors; Solaris, AIX, HP-UX, System V, Linux, Desktop; Windows, Apple OS, DOS and mobile platforms; Windows CE, Palm OS etc. A broad and deep understanding of Databases is also required. Such as knowledge of Relational Databases; Oracle, Sybase, DB2 as well as flat file systems, and semi-flat file system; ISAM or VSAM.
Solutions Architects decide which technologies to use. They work very closely with developers to ensure proper implementation. They are the link between the needs of the organization and the developers.
Solution Architects in large organizations act as the bridge between the Enterprise Architect and the Application Architect.
The Solutions Architect has several essential duties and responsibilities, which include all or some combination of the following:
Business Planning and General Management
- Take ownership of a particular solution offering
- Develop and execute a solution strategy and business plan that support product growth
- Shape, design, and plan specific service lines in product area
- Spearhead product marketing
Subject Matter Expertise
- Act as visionary and strategist for solution product area
- Survey market landscape for solution insights, direction, vendors, and methods
- Provides expertise to identify and translate system requirements into software design documentation,
- Work with technical writers to ensure quality internal and external client-oriented documentation
- Speak at trade conferences and seek authorship opportunities in trade publications
Business Development
- Help marketing departments develop marketing materials and position strategies for product area, in conjunction with overall marketing message framework
- Help business development life cycle by serving as a product SMESubject Matter ExpertA subject matter expert or domain expert is a person who is an expert in a particular area or topic. When spoken, sometimes the acronym "SME" is spelled out and other times voiced as a word ....
to help identify and qualify business development opportunities - Manages sales and marketing activities for the service offering
- With Channel Development team, develop and maintain vendor relationships within the product
Methodology and Quality Assurance
- Lead development of formalized solution methodologies
- Build and maintain repository for deliverables, methodologies, and business development documents
- Interface and coordinate tasks with internal and external technical resources. Collaborates with Project Managers and technical directors to provision estimates, develop overall implementation solution plan, and serve lead as required, to implement installation, customization, and integration efforts
- Oversee aspects of project life cycle, from initial kickoff through requirements analysis, design and implementation phases for projects within solution area
- Provide quality assurance for services within solution area
- Write, or direct the writing of white papers that further insight and thought in the solution area
Work Force Management, Supervision and Mentoring
- Manages a team of direct reports who drive service lines in the solution area
- Assists staffing coordinators who define project team requirements for projects in solution area
- Work with Delivery Services Director to define overall recruiting needs and expertise in solution area
- Work with Director of Delivery Services to establish professional development needs for practitioners in solution area
- Mentor and guide more junior technical resources