The strategic role of a Solution Architect

Contribute to the creation of case studies, white papers, and media articles for government customers and or partner. Develop processes and metrics and KPIs to improve effectiveness and efficiency of partner engagements. Lead by example through direct channel and alliance partner engagement while growing the team. Enable Alliance partner’s Go-To-Market team (e.g., SA’s, AEs, and Product Marketing) on GitLab’s solution and value. Author or otherwise contribute to GitLab customer-facing publications such as whitepapers, blogs, diagrams, reference architectures, or the GitLab Handbook. Define and deliver strategies and plans to create and influence GitLab’s Go-To-Market strategy and plans, including Sales , Marketing, Product, and Channel/Alliance.

One of the most important challenges of software product development is meeting the stakeholders’ requirements. Usually, a product has a number of stakeholders that are both technical and non-technical specialists. Solution architecture’s aim is to ensure that all their requirements are taken into account. Stakeholders have to be regularly informed about product development processes, costs, and budgeting. These tasks are usually done by a solution architect who translates technical project details into a language that management and non-technical stakeholders can understand. Usually, companies already have operating systems, an information context, and integration requirements.

What is a solutions architect? A vital role for IT-business alignment

The work of solutions architecture includes deeply technical and interpersonal skills. The solution architect is the leading player in any complex implementation. They have the most solid understanding of the full CRM tech https://globalcloudteam.com/ stack and how best to implement it. Here are some lessons learned from prior complex martech implementation projects that prove the importance of having a dedicated solution architect on the project team is essential.

Feel free to modify responsibilities and requirements based on your needs. Over the past decade, digital trends like cloud computing and service-oriented applications have led to new market opportunities across all industries. However, these changes also come with unique challenges and add complexity to the digital landscape of an organization. Continuously researches emerging technologies and proposes changes to the existing architecture.

Accounting for project constraints

For late-career solutions architects with 20 years or more of experience, the average reported salary is $135,000 per year. The average salary for a solutions architect is $119,000 per year, according to data from PayScale. Reported salaries range from $75,000 to $160,000 per year, and entry-level workers average around $76,000 per year.

• The Solutions Architect’s key task is to get the general context and correctly coordinate the technical work of different teams.
• There is a growing demand to reduce costs, increase flexibility, and regulate technology environments.
• A solutions architect is responsible for creating a comprehensive architecture for a software solution and providing strategic direction throughout the development process.
• Solution architects design or modify systems architecture to meet certain business needs.
• Feel free to modify responsibilities and requirements based on your needs.

Below are six examples that illustrate what solution architecture can achieve in a relatively short time. You will likely need a bachelor’s degree or higher in information technology, computer science, software engineering, or a related field. For more senior roles, you may need more experience or education, including a master’s degree. Depending on the role, you might also need experience in specific IT areas, such as networking administration, development, customer service, or other relevant areas. The salary of an IT solutions architect varies a lot and depends on multiple factors.

What Does Solution Architecture Mean?

Certifications are intended to validate the skills and expertise of solution architects. So, having one or more credentials proves the expert’s proficiency in specific skills. After developing a strategic technical vision of the product, solution architect roles and responsibilities the solution architect is involved in estimating the budget and presenting it to the stakeholders. Once everything is agreed upon, he or she monitors the process of development and keeps stakeholders informed about the progress.

They play a critical role in ensuring that technology solutions meet the needs of the organization and contribute to its success. However, solution architects don’t just hand out instructions and then leave the scene. They work closely with technical architects and manage all the tasks that are needed for the project to succeed. This involves overseeing time schedules, monitoring technological risks, and ensuring that each activity aligns with the business requirements described in the solution. Therefore, the role of a solution architect can be compared to a technical project manager who keeps track of the project throughout all phases. It’s important to understand that enterprise architects and solution architects are not opposed to each other but form a synergy with technical architects.

Information security architecture

In the case of enterprise software projects, these overruns may lead to huge financial losses. Solution Architect responsibilities include testing and integrating program software systems to address and solve specific business problems within an organization. To join our team and implement systems architecture to help solve our organization’s network problems. The software as service culture has transformed the digital landscape and often demands a system overhaul. Solution architects use system architecture to design new software entities that automate processes. In their conceptual model, they also determine the placement and behavior of each software component.

However, the exam can be taken without previous preparation — all that is required is deep knowledge of the architecture concepts and principles and a vast hands-on experience in the industry. Each of these terms includes multiple aspects that we’ll discuss in the article. If you want to catch all details quickly, check out our video about a solution architect role. As my career progressed, I found myself becoming less interested in the technical aspects, and more interested in the solution as a whole.

What does solution architecture mean?

Enterprise architecture can be conceptually divided into different architectural layers that involve Business Architecture and IT Architecture . Before we delve into the Solution Architect roles, let’s first clarify what this actually means. Participate in conferences and trade shows and interacting with government customers in attendance. Be a subject matter expert within an area of focus, with exceptional soft / public speaking skills and “hands on the keyboard depth”.