The role of a solutions architect is to evaluate an organization’s business requirements and determine how IT can support them using software, hardware or infrastructure. The alignment of IT strategy with business goals is essential. Solutions architects can help to develop, improve, and maintain technical solutions in support.
Solutions architects also facilitate communication between IT and business operations, ensuring everyone is in agreement when it comes to developing and implementing solutions for business problems. To properly design and implement solutions, the process will require regular feedback, adjustments, and problem solving.
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Solutions architecture can be defined as the integration of business, system and information. It also includes security, application and technology architecture. Solutions architecture can include implementing microservices to ecommerce or developing cloud infrastructure for efficiency. Although the job scope may vary according to the needs of each business, solutions architects need to have certain skills and qualifications to obtain the job.
Solutions architect responsibilities
While the job requirements and responsibilities of solutions architects will vary from one company to another, they are generally similar.
Participate in brainstorming sessions to identify solutions for business problems and needs.
Identify areas for process improvement.
Prepare and document all testing requirements.
Find areas in which IT can be used to support your business goals.
Partner with business units to create IT strategies and improve IT implementations.
Construct and migrate software and services throughout the company.
To develop scalable solutions, work with the delivery and product teams.
For the development of appropriate solutions, consult clients and other stakeholders.
Solutions architects should be able and willing to collaborate with employees, managers, and leaders in every business unit. You might also have to interact with clients if you work on a product-team. In a client-facing position, a solutions architect will need to know how to manage customer satisfaction as well as set appropriate expectations for the final product.
Solution architects need to be strong leaders and communicate well. They also need to have a good understanding of both technical and business information. You will need to be able to see the business side of an organization in order to determine which IT solutions are best suited for the company’s needs. You will need to be a leader in order to guide the overall process of identifying the key business objectives, and determining the requirements for each solution.
Most likely, you will need a bachelor’s or higher degree in information technology or computer science, software engineering, and/or a related field. Higher-level roles may require additional education and experience, including a master’s. You may also require experience in specific IT areas such as customer service, development, networking, and other related areas, depending on the job.
PayScale data suggests that the most popular technical skills among solution architects are:
SAP Business Warehouse
AWS and Azure
Apache Kafka
ServiceNow
Informatica
Data Management
Software Development LifeCycle
Big Data Analytics
Enterprise Service Bus (ESB).
Experience with enterprise architecture
Experience working with IT architecture frameworks
Understanding IT security, infrastructure and governance
Solutions architect certification
A solutions architect will need to become certified in the relevant technologies or skills of your industry. While the specific skills and knowledge you will need may vary depending on your job, there are many courses and certifications that can be obtained to meet the requirements of the job.
If you are looking for a more specific certification, there aren’t many available on the market. However, there are some popular certifications that will help you build your career as a solutions architect.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
The Open Group Certified Architects (Open CA)
Google Professional Cloud Architect