Solution 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 term "architect" is a professional title protected by law and restricted, in most of the world's jurisdictions, to those who are trained in the planning, design and supervision of the construction of buildings. In these jurisdictions, anyone who is not a licensed architect is prohibited from using this title in any way. In the State of New York, and in other U.S. states, the unauthorized use of the title "architect" is a crime and is subject to criminal proceedings. Thus any use of the title "architect" by "Solutions Architects" in these jurisdictions is illegal.

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.

Positioning solution architects in relation to enterprise architects

Solution Architects in large organizations often act as the bridge between Enterprise Architects and Application Architects.

An enterprise architect’s deliverables are usually more abstract than a solution architect’s deliverables. But that is not always the case, and the main distinction between enterprise architect and solution architect lies in their different motivations. The enterprise architect is primarily employed in the design, planning and governance of strategic and cross-organisational rationalisation or optimisation of an enterprise’s services, processes or components. The solution architect is primarily employed to help programme and project managers in the design, planning and governance of implementation projects of any kind.

A solution architect may have a reporting line to an enterprise architect, but the influence the enterprise architect team has on solution architects depends on an organisation’s policies and management structure. So, the extent to which a solution architect’s work derives from enterprise architects’ road maps will vary from 0 to 100 percent.

When the solution architect starts and stops depends on the funding model for the process of solution identification and delivery. E.g. An enterprise may employ a solution architect on a feasibility study, or to prepare a solution vision or solution outline for an Invitation to Tender. A supplier may employ a solution architect at “bid time”, before any implementation project is costed or resourced. Both may employ a solution architect to govern an implementation project, or play a leading role within it.

An IT services provider may employ a solution architect in a role that reports to a senior architect who is: 1. focused on operational services rather than implementation programme/projects, where understanding managed operations is important. 2. responsible for coordinating all services provided to one organisation by way of strategy, business consulting, projects and operational services. 3. working on a bid to supply one organisation with all the services above, or a framework bid that covers more than one customer organization at a more strategic level. In cases 2 and 3, the senior architect is a kin to an enterprise architect, but (in the UK at least) is more likely to be called Solution Director, Service Director, Technical Director or CTO.

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