Solutions Architect

A Solutions Architect in Information Technology 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.

Overview of solutions architect

The role of "Solutions Architect" requires the 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 process 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. A broad and deep understanding of Databases is also required.

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:

Solutions Architect topics

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 SME 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