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Introduction
If new solutions aren't tailored to the enterprise, they can produce unsatisfying results or create problems. A digital product strategy is necessary to ensure the success of digital projects.
Solution architecture (SA) is what comes into play. It's an architectural description of a specific solution based on best practices and predefined processes. It is the first step in creating enterprise solutions. It ensures that each solution meets business requirements and fits the overall enterprise architecture.
Solution architects are seen from a birds-eye perspective as the link between enterprise architects, technical architects, and those trying to find the right IT solution to a particular business problem.
What does solution architecture look like? How can you take your business to the next level with best practices in solution architecture?
What is solution architecture?
The foundation for software product development is solution architecture. It tailors IT solutions to specific business requirements, defining their functional requirements and the stages of implementation. It comprises several sub-processes, which draw on different enterprise architecture perspectives.
First, define solution architecture to understand its role in software development better. This may seem simple, but it shows why solution architecture is essential when redesigning your IT environment. A solution is simply a description of a solution to a problem. It means a company must evaluate client problems or needs and create systems to address them.
Solution architecture addresses client requirements and business needs in a way that is related to technology. These requirements are often reflected in re-evaluating existing systems to determine how they can benefit or harm an organization over the long term. Sometimes business analysts are involved in these evaluations and describe the problem. Next, solution architects will take the problem and create a description of possible solutions.
Solution architecture is a way to translate technical business requirements into practical IT solutions. It also establishes rules and guidelines for implementation and delivery. It considers all factors that may affect the development process. Digital projects are less likely than ever to fail when there is consensus between EA and development teams. SA is a support system that helps to reduce complexity and provides structure when developing new applications and systems.
What is the difference between enterprise architecture and solution architecture?
Although they are interdependent and ultimately share the same goal, creating more value for businesses through technology, solution architecture, and enterprise architectural focus on different tasks. Therefore, they require different skill sets. As the name suggests, enterprise architecture is a broad view of an enterprise. It includes all business entities and how they relate to technology and other applications. EA is concerned with the lifecycle and definition of IT strategies.
These strategies can be used to cut costs, eliminate redundant technologies or applications, and manage digital transformation's effects. Unsurprisingly, target architecture development requires a deep understanding of the organization and close collaboration with stakeholders and leaders. Enterprise architects must have a holistic view of a company. Their attention to detail is limited because they cannot focus on the details. They are less concerned about the technical aspects of IT infrastructure.
Enterprise architects may sometimes be responsible for technical questions. However, they can delegate specific tasks and tasks to solution architects, who create the appropriate solutions. SA does not direct the implementation process but ensures that technical architects can implement IT solutions that meet all business requirements. Both EA and SA serve a guiding purpose. Enterprise architecture is focused on strategy, while solution architecture is more concerned with detailed planning.
It is essential to realize that enterprise and solutions architects are not antagonistic but work in synergy alongside technical architects. All three are crucial to maximizing the company's potential value through technology. While there may be overlaps between SA and EA, they serve different purposes and depend on each other. Solution architects take an abstract strategy that enterprise architects have created and transform it into a solution.
Solution architect: What is their role?
There has been some disagreement about the definition of the solution architect role, as the IT industry is constantly changing. It's because, just as in enterprise architecture, there is a level of abstraction that can be difficult to understand from a non-technical standpoint. It is dangerous to think that an enterprise architect who delegated tasks to development teams will cut out the middleman. To ensure solutions are properly implemented, the solution architect is essential.
What does it look like to be a solution architect in practice? And what skills are required to manage an IT project from start to finish?
Now it is clear that the main task of a solution architect is to find solutions to technical problems. Solution architecture best practices define the process. It is important to follow established industry standards and patterns when creating conceptual models. These detailed solutions can then be shared with the dedicated teams in a solution architecture diagram or a written document.
Solution architects aren't content to just give instructions and then disappear. They work closely alongside technical architects to manage all tasks necessary for the project's success. This includes coordinating time and monitoring technological risks. It also ensures that every activity is in line with the business requirements. The role of a solution architect can be described as a technical project manager who oversees the project through all phases.
A solution architect should be able to use technical skills and experience in architecture. The solution architects link business strategy, IT operations, and business strategy. They must have a deep understanding of both organizational architecture and real-world technical solutions. They must be able to build trust with both IT professionals and business leaders in their roles. Communication with both a non-technical audience and a highly technical audience is crucial.
Background and skills as a solution architect
Once you've realized the importance of solution architecture for your projects, finding and hiring the right person is time. These are the essential skills that a solution architect should have.
Experience and technical background
A solution architect must have at least eight years of experience in technical areas. It includes but is not limited to the following:
- Cloud development, IT infrastructure, and architecture
- Software architecture and engineering design
- Analyze of business
- DevOps
- Management of products and projects
Excellent communication abilities
Communication is a critical component of the competence of a solution architect. Communication skills are crucial because this role involves negotiating with stakeholders, understanding their needs, managing risks, and delivering products. A lack of communication skills could cause a severe bottleneck. This position requires close collaboration with software and enterprise architects, business analysts, and project teams. An experienced solution architect must be able to listen, advise, empathize, explain, and facilitate.
Analytical skills are a must.
Understanding how the different business units work together is essential to designing a solution. The architect must understand the corporate strategy and all business processes determining how a company will achieve its strategic goals. The architect must also be able to understand technical details. Solution architects are constantly involved in analytical work and can move between different business levels.
Skills in project and resource management
Although a solution architect is not directly involved in project management, it is essential to account for deadlines and allocated resources. Solution architects need to be able to make informed decisions about the best solutions for a particular situation. They should be focused on the business results and know how to achieve them within the timeframes and with the resources available.
Solution architects must also consider the long-term view of the project and be able to see that it may need to scale or adapt to future changes. They are the ones who know the final target and guide the development process accordingly.
The primary operations and the Solution Architecture
Teams can produce products on schedule and within budget with the help of well-designed solution architecture. Additionally, it guarantees that the product resolves the issue for which it was designed. What specific objectives does solution architecture achieve?
Solutions that are appropriate for the business environment
Companies usually have operating systems, information contexts, and integration requirements. Solution architecture ensures that the new design fits within the existing enterprise environment. A solution architect must understand the interdependence of all business model components, including operating systems, processes, and application architectures. These aspects will enable them to create a solution that best fits the environment.
All stakeholders are satisfied.
Meeting stakeholders' requirements is one of the biggest challenges in software product development. Both technical and non-technical stakeholders are there in a project. A solution architecture aims to find a perfect product development solution & make sure that every stakeholder's needs are considered. Stakeholders must be informed about the product development process, budgeting, and costs. A solution architect is usually responsible for translating technical details into language managers so that other stakeholders can understand.
Taking project limits into account
Every project has specific restrictions, often known as constraints. These restrictions include technology, Scope, Cost, Quality, Time, and Resources.
A product may be built using technologies that meet the needs of specific modules. The project scope is part of software documentation & defines goals, tasks, and features. A budget is allocated for every project.
These aspects may be considered constraints, but each one has its limitations. The solution architect must understand these constraints. Then, they will need to make various technological and managerial decisions to balance these constraints with project goals.
How to pick the appropriate technology stack for a project
The selection of technology for product development & product testing is an essential part of solution architecture. The selected technology stack will determine the technical architecture plan. There are many different approaches to platforms, programming languages, and tools & it is the solution architecture function. It's about determining which one will work best for a given project. It is not an easy task that can be done without technology comparison and assessment.
The need to fulfill non-functional requirements
Software projects must meet specific non-functional requirements & these requirements describe the system's characteristics. These are known as quality attributes. The exact list of nonfunctional requirements will vary depending on each product's complexity, but the most important are security, performance, and maintainability. The role of the solution architect is to identify all non-functional requirements and ensure that product engineering meets them.
Solution architecture has many benefits.
These sections have highlighted the importance of solution architecture in digital transformations. They also discussed how solution architects could help drive change by managing IT projects. What specific benefits of solution architecture should business leaders consider when hiring SA specialists? These are the most compelling.
Technology requirement and value: Solution architects directly impact the return on investment. They stay abreast of the latest technology and market trends to help companies decide which projects they should undertake to grow and improve their team's comfort.
Business goal: Solution architects are responsible for curating the best solution to a problem. They consider the technology selection and the needs of all stakeholders. Solution architecture best practices help to translate business goals into a realistic technical vision that is achievable in a short time.
Target date: Solution architects are IT professionals who manage development teams. However, they also interact with potential customers and business teams. It helps to ensure that the solution is aligned with the business goal and on time with the launching date.
Increased ROI: Achieving a higher ROI is possible with solution architecture. Solution architects think about the best performance and the most cost-effective solution to achieve the highest ROI.
The Market Opportunity: The IT industry is constantly changing, and new technologies flood the market daily. Solution architects must continuously assess the latest trends to provide solutions to any problem. This allows them to support and promote new products.
Budget & resourcing: In their architectural description, solution architects give clear information about the project's cost and the resources required at each stage. This allows businesses to budget digital transformations more accurately and avoids costly surprises.
Project timeline Unexpected costs are often caused by a project taking longer than anticipated. Solution architecture helps to define the project timeline from start to finish. It also determines how much effort and what resources are required until the project is completed.
Six examples of solution architecture
Everyday use cases of solution architecture can help you understand what a solution architect does in practice. SA can be implemented immediately, a significant advantage over EA-related projects. These six examples show what solution architecture can accomplish in a relatively short amount of time.
Business architecture
Business architecture is where a solution architect maps out the solution to meet business objectives using a business capability map. These capabilities can include usability, security features, and functions. Then, visualize how they could impact business outcomes.
Information Architecture
Information architecture is the way a user interface looks. An information architect can design a structure to make it easy to use an e-commerce site.
Information security architecture
Solution architects ensure that a new product or system is integrated into an IT solution. At the start of every project, it is documented in detail how the project conforms to each regulation.
System architecture
Software as a service (SaaS) has changed the digital landscape. It requires a system overhaul. Solution architects use the system architecture to create new software entities that automate processes. They also decide the behavior and placement of each component in their conceptual model.
Application Architecture
Systems are single software applications or tools people use to do their jobs. Solution architects use application architecture to map all the applications (usually in layers) and show how they interact.
Technology architecture
A solution architect is responsible for designing and structuring the IT infrastructure required to support the solution. It ensures that all components work in harmony. This process is much easier, thanks to cloud infrastructures.
Certification as a Solution Architect
Certifications validate solution architects' expertise and skills, which evaluate their skills, knowledge, and experience. A certificate or two proves an expert's ability to perform a specific skill.
Many certification platforms offer practice tests, training courses, and learning materials in addition to the actual exam. Udemy and Coursera are great resources for practicing and preparing. The exam is not required to be ready. All that is needed is a solid understanding of the principles and concepts of architecture and extensive industry experience.
There are many IT architect certifications. Most of them are vendor-specific and focus on mastering one technology. Here is a quick overview of some of the most sought-after ones.
Certification as an AWS Solution Architect
AWS Certified Solutions Architect offers professional and associate certifications, depending on your experience level. Both programs are for architects who use AWS technologies to develop and deploy applications or systems.
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam costs $150 and takes 130 minutes. Amazon recommends that candidates have at most one year of practical experience before taking the exam.
AWS certifications last for three years. After that, credential holders must undergo recertification to show their continuing expertise and knowledge about the latest AWS technologies.
Certification as an Azure Solution Architect
Microsoft offers many credentials for solution architects. The most popular is the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solution Architect Expert. This credential is for candidates who specialize in solutions running on Microsoft Azure and have an advanced understanding of Azure infrastructure.
After passing the exam AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions, you can obtain the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certificate. The cost of the exam will depend on where it is being proctored (in the United States, $165).
These tests measure skills in a variety of ways. Here is a summary. AZ-305 focuses on technical tasks such as:
- Observe and put in place an Azure infrastructure
- Put management and security measures in place
- Implement app solutions
- Establish and maintain data platforms
AZ-305 focuses on assessing skills such as:
- Design monitoring
- Design identity and security
- design data storage,
- Design business continuity
- Design infrastructure.
ITIL certification
ITIL is the industry-recognized list of qualifications, which includes five levels. ITIL Master is the highest credential for IT service managers professionals with extensive ITIL experience. Although it is not a role-based certification, ITIL Master for solution architects is an excellent credential. However, ITIL principles are a common management framework, and ITIL masters would be a valuable asset to any managerial position.
The certification requirements state that you must "justify and explain how you have selected and applied a range of knowledge, principles, and methods from the ITIL Framework and related management techniques to achieve desired business outcomes in one, or more, practical assignments."
This credential is only possible if you have the ITIL Expert certificate. Candidates must also have more than five years of experience in leadership, management, or advisory positions. After completing these requirements, the hopeful must register with PeopleCert, fill out the application, and submit their CV. The next step is to submit the business improvement proposal and work package. This will show the candidate's ability to apply ITIL principles in real-world cases. The applicants must then pass an interview with an assessment panel, where they will be asked about their experiences.
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The price of the exam and training courses will vary depending on where you live.
Google cloud architect certification
Google offers many role-based certifications. The Professional Cloud Architect certification is for professionals using Google Cloud technologies to create solutions. It's not just for solution architects but also for professionals who deal with Google cloud architecture.
The exam takes 2 hours and requires a $200 registration fee. Google recommends that you have at least three years of experience to be able to attempt the exam. Every two years, recertification is required. You can find the exam guide, sample questions, and learning materials here. It covers six aspects.
- Planning and designing a cloud solution architecture
- Provisioning and managing a solution infrastructure
- Security and compliance design
- Optimizing technology and business processes by analyzing and optimizing them;
- Implementation management;
- Ensure reliability in operations and solution delivery
Consulting in solution architecture is necessary for a company.
Technology consulting firms can introduce solution architecture to corporate structures if integrating new software systems is not a systematic process. A solution architect is not necessary for every project. A solution architect has not required if a single tech module works in similar situations. Software engineering projects become more complex and involve more processes and risks. It is better to hire solution architecture consultants.
Let's look at some cases where solution architecture consulting might be recommended.
Knowing which solution will work best for your enterprise ecosystem is challenging. Creating a link between your existing enterprise architecture and your project is essential. The solution architect will ensure that the solution meets your company's standards. A solution architect will analyze multiple options to determine the best one for your company.
You run a digital transformation project. Businesses must rethink how they deliver value for their valuable customers and what they will deliver in the future. These questions cannot be answered without connecting technology and business perspectives. This is where solution architects excel.
There are many risks involved in implementing solutions. Uncertain requirements, multiple products, and underlying technologies may all be present.
Present a product roadmap to investors. A solution architect will help you choose the technology that best suits your product needs and explain the reasoning in clear, business-oriented terms.
It is necessary to establish communication between engineers and stakeholders. A solution architect can help bridge the gap between technical and non-technical experts. Solution architects can also collaborate with project managers to reduce the risk of product misalignment and stakeholder requirements and ensure that the solution meets the purpose.
The project involves many teams. A large project may require someone to manage the designer's and business architect's teams to achieve a high-quality technical project result.
Regardless of whether or not you use solution architecture, it is the foundation for any IT project. By introducing solution architecture, you can create a framework that aligns technology resources and skills with business goals.
Conclusion
Solution architecture is an essential link between the IT strategy and the implementation of technical solutions in every IT project. Solution architects look at a problem and create the best solution, considering all non-functional requirements.
They provide clear guidelines to guide technical teams and detail the development stages of a project from start to finish.
Solution architects play a vital role in the development process, but it is not just their close collaboration that makes them unique. Because they translate strategic visions into practical solutions, solution architects need strong relationships with enterprise architects. These are the ones who will determine the IT direction for an enterprise.
