Solutions Architect

Solutions Architect Job Description

One of the most sought-after roles in the IT industry today is the solution architect. The solution architect works with a development team to develop and integrate information and computer systems to meet specific needs. The solution architect plays an important role in the software development process and directs the activities of the rest of the design team. Solutions architects study the current system architecture and operating systems and provide technical leadership to commercial and technical staff to design future solutions as efficiently as possible. They collect and develop requirements and are responsible for project and resource management, working directly on the project with business analysts and other members of the project management team.

While many companies already have an operating system, they may need to modify existing information systems or add a new system that can seamlessly integrate and communicate with existing systems. Solution Architects are also responsible for determining the scope of these projects before the developers start major work. They conduct a thorough review of the company's existing systems and configurations to determine whether additional time and effort is needed to align projects with the company's systems and, if so, how much.

In addition to leading the development team, solution architects are often responsible for researching existing enterprise architecture and systems and designing technology solutions that work with these systems as part of the development process. This role requires excellent attention to detail, as the solutions architect often needs to check functional specifications, translate them, and find ways to align the project with the system at the company level. At the same time, solution architects can identify potential problems with the system and customer specifications and propose new solutions that work within these limitations. They meet with customers to demonstrate solutions, answer questions about software capabilities and requirements, address project constraints, and solve problems that arise during a particular project.

In general, the Solution Architect is responsible for mapping business requirements and technical requirements to ensure that the technological solutions are consistent with the company's architectural plan. Unlike IT architects who design solutions and services for the enterprise in the field of information technology, software architects focus on the software (as opposed to the hardware) that the company uses or should use, and not on the hardware itself.  

The solution architect translates the requirements created by a functional analyst into the solution architecture and describes them as an architectural design artifact. In the field of information technology, there are solution architects and solution designers. Solution architects are the ones who control the development and implementation of the company's software and hardware, recommend solutions for more effective systems, and work with development team members to integrate the software or hardware that best suits the business purpose.

The process that the solution architects use typically involves selecting the most suitable technology for the problem while weighing up the architectural concerns of the project with the concerns of the company. Most solution architects have spent many years in software development, and thus learned a lot about tools that help them be more effective and productive. They are also entrepreneurial, possessing experience in a wide range of areas such as business intelligence, data science, engineering management, design, and engineering.   

An enterprise architect/solutions architect job description includes evaluating the business environment and providing software solutions that solve business problems. They have the ability to develop software and navigate the complex waters of corporate relationships with entrepreneurial skills. Solution architects focus on being leaders who evaluate business environments and close gaps in business solutions.

Solutions architects and enterprise architects must have good communication skills as well as technical skills to be able to consult with customers and guide them through plans for development projects, using general terms so that those who are less interested in technology can still understand the process. A knack for sales and customer service is helpful, as they must become adept at proposing products and services. Strong leadership skills and project management skills are required for the solutions architect to successfully lead development teams. The enterprise architect/solution architect's role requires them to stay up to date on emerging technologies and current trends in their field. Junior solutions architects should focus on proving their ability to integrate information system solutions when addressing specific business needs, as well as their knowledge of the business environment and business processes.

Given the strategic position that solution architects occupy, the role they assume must be tailored to a specific need and assessed on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, it is important that they understand the needs of customers. Solution architects come from a wide range of fields, including engineering, information technology, and other areas related to technology. They may possess expertise in software development, data science, business intelligence, engineering management, design, and engineering.