A solution architect plays a vital role in software engineering, business operations, and IT support. So what do solution architects do? A solution architect works to match technology solutions and business processes. Obtaining certifications like the AWS Solution Architect certification can be a significant step for professionals in this field.
As a result, it can be tricky to define the solutions architect role. However, having a solution architect in your organization is vital to the long-term success of your organization and corporate strategy.
This post will take the time to explore what a solution architect is, what responsibilities solution architects manage, and what skills your organization should look for when hiring a solutions architect to join your company.
Solution architecture is vital to achieving your business goals. Don’t overlook the value a solutions architect can bring to your enterprise.
Solutions Architect: Defining the Role
A solutions architect evaluates business needs and supports those business goals and needs with tech solutions. A solution architect’s job is to align business goals with the organization’s IT strategy
A solution architect will leverage hardware, software solutions, and infrastructure to solve business problems and support operations. There is always a myriad of technologies your organization can choose to utilize in its information technology environment.
However, in most cases, a particular solution will be better suited to solve your business problems than others. This is why a good solution architect is critical to your company’s success.
A solutions architect can deliver the technical leadership your organization needs to choose the right software systems and hardware.
A solution architect can also aid the software development process with their computer science knowledge by helping software architects choose the right operating systems, programming languages, or Google Cloud technologies for the company’s software development project.
A solutions architect will also bridge the gap between business and development teams. For example, it can be difficult for the development team to convey technical advice in a manner that is easy to understand, and for business leaders conveying business requirements and their overall technical vision can be difficult without technical skills and experience.
The Responsibilities of a Solution Architect: From Software Engineering to Communication
Solution architects have a wide range of organizational responsibilities. Solution architecture is a broad task that is concerned with the system, information, security, application, and enterprise architecture.
Effective project and resource management is crucial for ensuring that solutions are implemented efficiently and align with business goals. For example, a solutions architect might be called upon to implement microservices for an application, adopt rigorous security measures for networks, data, and systems, or even build a cloud infrastructure.
The scope of a solution architect’s role will vary based on the business and the needs at hand. However, typically, the role of solution architect is responsible for the following tasks:
- Lead ideation sessions to develop the best solution for software projects and business needs
- Discover opportunities for improvement to the product development processes
- Prepare and document testing requirements in the existing enterprise environment
- Identify ways information technology can support business needs
- Collaborate with project managers to develop tech strategies and improve current IT processes and implementations
- Develop software architecture and services and implement them across the organization
- Collaborate with the development team to create digital products and tech solutions
- Communicate with a client’s business teams to develop the best tech solution for their needs
A solution architect should be working and collaborating with leaders across every segment of your organization. In addition, a solutions architect must also work closely with clients and key stakeholders.
A solutions architect not only has to have enough technical knowledge to work with the development team, but they also must have the communication skills to work in a managerial capacity in many cases.
Enterprise Architect Vs. Solutions Architect
Enterprise architects are responsible for managing an organization’s entire enterprise ecosystem. In contrast, the role of solution architects is to address business goals and needs through technology solutions.
Enterprise and software architects work together to ensure that the organization has effective development life cycles and fully utilizes development resources.
Resource management is an important aspect of solution architect roles, but more in developing solutions for organizational problems.
Technical Architect Vs. Solutions Architect
The technical architect is often confused with the solution architect too. However, a technical architect is responsible for overseeing technical engineering and implementation.
While technical and solutions architects have technical vision and expertise, the technical architect focuses more on the engineering side of operations. Conversely, a solutions architect will utilize technical vision in a broader capacity to ensure business goals are met.
In some organizations, a solutions architect might be asked to take on the roles traditionally assumed by enterprise and technical architects. In smaller organizations and startups, this approach will likely be tenable.
However, in large enterprise organizations, a solutions architect should be a dedicated role separate from the enterprise and technical architect.
A solution architect already has a broader range of responsibilities than either of the other positions and if your business wants to get the best out of this role, it should be a dedicated position.
Solution Architect Skills and Background
A Solution Architect requires a unique blend of technical, business, and soft skills to excel in their role. Here, we’ll delve into the essential skills and background required for a Solution Architect.
Technical Skills
A solution architect must possess a robust technical foundation to effectively design and implement technology solutions. Key technical skills include:
- Proficiency in Software Development Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile and DevOps methodologies is crucial for managing the development lifecycle efficiently.
- Cloud Computing Expertise: A strong understanding of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud is essential for designing scalable and reliable solutions.
- Containerization Knowledge: Experience with Docker and Kubernetes helps in managing and deploying applications in a consistent environment.
- Database Management: Proficiency in both relational and NoSQL databases ensures that the architect can design effective data storage solutions.
- Cybersecurity Principles: Understanding cybersecurity best practices is vital for protecting the organization’s data and systems.
- Data Analytics and Business Intelligence: Knowledge of tools and techniques for data analysis and business intelligence supports informed decision-making.
- Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Jira and Asana aids in tracking project progress and managing resources effectively.
Soft Skills
In addition to technical expertise, a solution architect must excel in several soft skills to navigate the complexities of their role:
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Clear communication is essential for collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: The ability to analyze complex problems and devise effective solutions is a core competency.
- Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams ensures that all aspects of the solution are considered.
- Stakeholder Management: Managing stakeholder expectations and resolving conflicts is crucial for project success.
- Business Acumen: A strong understanding of business processes and goals helps align technology solutions with organizational objectives.
- Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing project requirements and priorities is essential in a dynamic environment.
- Leadership and Mentoring: Providing guidance and support to team members fosters a collaborative and productive work environment.
Hiring a Solution Architect? Here’s What to Look For
The solutions architect’s responsibilities are varied. As a result, your organization needs to look for solution architects that are well-rounded job candidates. So, what skills should a solutions architect possess?
Since a solutions architect works closely with many different segments of your organization, project management, and communication skills are vital to the position.
In addition, a solutions architect should have technical skills in IT management. Plus, this individual should have business knowledge and the capability to perform and understand in-depth business analysis.
Most importantly, a solutions architect must understand how IT solutions fit the organization’s processes and goals. A solutions architect also needs leadership skills to help steer the organization’s technical efforts.
A solutions architect needs to possess a broad set of technical and soft skills. This is an upper-level, highly skilled position, so the market for these candidates will be competitive, and there won’t be an abundance of them available.
Solution Architecture Process
The Solution Architecture process involves several key steps that help ensure the successful design and implementation of technology solutions. Here, we’ll outline the key steps involved in the Solution Architecture process.
Solution Architecture Consulting
Solution Architecture consulting involves working with stakeholders to understand their business needs and developing a tailored solution architecture that meets those needs. This process typically involves the following steps:
- Stakeholder Analysis and Requirements Gathering: Engaging with stakeholders to identify their needs, goals, and constraints is the first step in developing a solution architecture.
- Solution Architecture Design and Development: Based on the gathered requirements, the solution architect designs a comprehensive architecture that addresses the identified needs.
- Solution Architecture Review and Validation: The proposed architecture is reviewed and validated to ensure it meets all requirements and adheres to best practices.
- Solution Implementation and Deployment: The solution is implemented and deployed, with the solution architect overseeing the process to ensure it aligns with the designed architecture.
- Post-Implementation Review and Evaluation: After deployment, the solution is reviewed to assess its performance and identify any areas for improvement.
By following these steps, Solution Architects can ensure that their solutions meet the needs of stakeholders and provide long-term value to the organization. This structured approach helps in delivering technology solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable and scalable.
How Does Someone Become a Solutions Architect?
There is no one set path to becoming a successful solutions architect like there is for other professions. Successful solutions architects come from a variety of technical backgrounds including information technology, computer science, and software development.
Typically, solutions architects have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or network administration. Many solutions architects even have advanced degrees like a master’s in information systems.
Essentially, solutions architects should have a background in some sort of technological solutions. The technical expertise most attractive to each organization will vary. However, many businesses prefer to see solutions architects with experience in development and computer networks.
Most solutions architects have a deep understanding of the technologies involved in information networks and software development and are capable of providing technical leadership within the organization.
Are There Certifications for Solutions Architects?
Several different certifications can illustrate the technical expertise of an experienced solution architect. Depending on your organization’s existing environment, certain certifications will be more important to your organization than others.
For example, if your business uses AWS, an AWS-certified solutions architect will be more attractive to your company than Azure-certified solutions architects. If you are looking for a successful solutions architect to implement solutions and make process improvements, it is important to find an architect with the right certification.
All of the major environments offer certification that is specific to their technologies including AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure. In addition, there is a more general ITIL certification that requires extensive IT service management to and knowledge of ITIL practices. In fact, there are reputable resources, such as Exam-Labs, that provide more information on popular certifications in these fields.
Although ITIL certification is not strictly a certification for solutions architects it demonstrates valuable technical skills and leadership qualities that could be of significant value to your organization.
Is It Necessary to Hire A Solutions Architect?
Non-technical stakeholders might wonder if having a solutions architect is necessary for the business to succeed. Does your business rely on technology for its business processes? If the answer is yes, having a solutions architect on your team will only benefit your business.
Solutions architects help guide the broad IT strategy and help organizations make strategic technology decisions that position them for long-term success. Technologies are rapidly evolving and playing an integral part in modern business operations.
If you choose the wrong technologies you can set your business back, fall behind competitors, and waste financial resources trying to make up for poor initial decision-making. Solutions architects play an important role in the modern technical landscape businesses must traverse.
Many people misunderstand the role of the solutions architect. However, this role is critical to organizations that want to utilize technology.
Enterprise architecture is becoming more critical as businesses expand their technical footprint and rely on an array of technologies to run business processes. The solution architect role is vital to the ultimate success of any modern business.
If you want to learn more about solutions architects and their importance to your organization, reach out to a skilled development partner for additional information and context.
