The new year came, and I started writing down my plans for what I should do next year. The plan was made this year and I am satisfied. What do I do next year? I thought a lot and became interested in Solution Architecture. An exciting new profession that is close to my character. I’m interested in different areas and always gain knowledge for the background. I understand in different areas, and not only in what I do directly. But I constantly rush from one extreme to another. I do the job efficiently, I can even mentor, and I’m probably very good in this business, but if something gets in the way, I can break free, immerse myself in thinking about the meaning of work, the sanity of the authorities, the corruption of life, I will start to spend too much energy on side projects that I consider more important, or for entertainment that beckons to me.
Let’s talk about the decision architect
It is important to know who a solution architect is and what a solution architect is because in recent years the term has spread throughout the software development world without a clear direction.
- Let break it down: a solution architect is a strategic designer and solution planner in a technology environment. Essentially, the person assigned to the Solution Architect label is the lead for developing solutions that match the enterprise architecture in terms of business, information, and technical aspects.
Solution architects must have a combination of skills to help design, build, and execute a solution with accuracy and efficiency. Let’s say what a decision architect should possess:
Communication with experts: The solution architect must be able to communicate the technical aspects, risks, problems, and benefits of the solution.
Risk management and identification. Solution architects must identify, assess, and assess risks to mitigate them and eliminate any factors that might hinder the successful implementation of the solution.
Software Development Process Proficiency and Technical Skills: Solution architects must have extensive knowledge of the technical aspects of a project to be able to advise, identify risks, and evaluate the technology infrastructure of a solution.
Detail Orientation: The solution architect should be a detail-oriented person.
Building solutions and managing them. Solution architects are capable of comprehensively shaping, designing, and managing a solution.
Human skills. Solution architects must maneuver and manage business requirements and expected results from multiple teams working on a solution.
Resource management: Solution architects must be able to use resources efficiently and effectively.
Gaining experience from solution architects often requires practical skills and knowledge in the following areas:
Computer and operating systems.
Infrastructure and engineering design.
Systemic security measures.
Business analysis.
Database management.
Cloud development.
Web platforms.
Hardware and software management.
Network administration.
Project and product management.
I was wondering what the role of Solution architects is.
There are several solution architect roles covered by this position.
Create solutions that fit perfectly with your corporate environment.
Recommend best practices for the entire solution.
Comply with all technical and business requirements.
Examine project constraints to analyze alternatives, mitigate risks, and reengineer the process if necessary.
Select a technology stack and perform resource assessments.
But there are also essential requirements that you must meet.
Perform a rating of architectural systems.
Analyze technological means.
Determine the structure of partnerships.
Analyze technical and business requirements.
Determine procedures and processes for unsupported delivery solutions.
Create a prototype solution.
Receive participation in select technology.
Observe strategic principles and architecture.
Control the development of solutions.
Collaborate with project management commands and IT developers…
All of this is interesting, but we need to consider what problems the decision architect faces:
Technology is constantly changing: Solution architects need to keep up to date with the latest technologies, techniques, and tools, which can be daunting and time-consuming.
Accountability: If a project fails, the solution architect is usually at the top of the people who are ultimately responsible for the failure.
Balance: Because there are so many factors involved in a solution, the solution architect must carefully and balance and accurately capture all of them.
The originally defined functional, technical, and business requirements of a company may not always be necessary or well documented. Thus, the challenge for solution architects is to identify the listed requirements, which are not important, and which can be abandoned, given the huge volume of requirements included in the solution architecture.
Stakeholder satisfaction: Stakeholders have issues and key needs that need to be addressed while balancing the needs of the technical development team. Solution architects are at the center of this intersection.
It is an interesting thing. Many do not understand what the decision architect is, which this profession changes every year and acquires different meanings. For me, it is a charm that resembles even my current activities. I would say this profession is one part of R&D.