A solution architect, also known as an IT solution architect, is someone who is in charge of designing and managing architecture for specific solutions, be it software, hardware or networking apps. These professionals analyse what businesses need and create a vision for specific solutions. What does a solution architect do?
Role of a solution architect
A solution architect’s primary role is to analyse how complex functional, technical, and business requirements contribute to solving a specific problem. They then help integrate these solutions into the existing system landscapes.
They are in charge of the architectural design of the solution and are required to translate requirements within an organisation into technical solution designs that can be implemented by software architects and software developers.
The focus is on technical decisions made based on the proposed solution and what impact they have on business outcomes and interfaces.
What is the difference between a technical architect and a solution architect?
Though both technical and solution architects work together, their responsibilities may differ. Solution architects are more focused on figuring out what an organisation’s needs are and how IT processes can assist them. Technical architects, on the other hand, have a more applied role and make sure that technological designs are in line with a business’s goals.
Responsibilities of a solution architect
The tasks of a solution architect relate to technological solution concepts and strategies for the integration of IT solutions in the company.
Though the tasks may vary, their general duties include analysing the technology environment of a company, noting and documenting requirements, and creating solutions based on said documents.
They work on complex architectures with customer and project teams and analyse frameworks or platforms for implementation. They are also in charge of these processes and are responsible for developing and migrating services for all areas of the company.
These architects communicate with customers and stakeholders to offer support when required and lend their knowledge and expertise to the project management team.
Responsibilities of a solution architect:
- Analyse technology environment of a company
- Note and document requirements
- Create solutions based on documents
- Work on complex architectures with customer and project teams
- Analyse frameworks or platforms for implementation
- In charge of IT processes and software
- Responsible for developing and migrating services for all areas of a company
- Communicate with customers and stakeholders to offer support when required
- Lend knowledge and support to project management team when necessary
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Skills of a solution architect
Solution architects have technical and entrepreneurial understanding of business processes and have proven experience in engineering and software architecture design.
They possess in-depth understanding of coding languages such as Java and JavaScript, and have knowledge of backend software development such as microservices and API design. These architects also have experience working with IT infrastructure such as AWS or Azure.
Solution architects are familiar with various operating systems and databases and have a working knowledge and interest in new developments & technical trends such as AI, Machine Learning, and DevOps.
In order to be able to align IT solutions with business goals, solution architects also possess strong management and communication skills as well as organisational skills.
What are the skills required for solution architects?
- Technical and entrepreneurial understanding of business processes and needs
- Proven experience in engineering and software architecture design
- Knowledge of coding languages such as Java and JavaScript
- Knowledge of backend software development such as microservices and API design
- Experience working with IT infrastructure such as AWS or Azure
- Familiarity with various operating systems and databases
- Working knowledge and interest in new developments & technical trends such as AI, Machine Learning, and DevOps
- Strong management skills
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work well in a team
- Strong organisational skills
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How to work as a solution architect
A degree in Computer Science (or related fields) is usually the first step to getting a job as a solution architect. Depending on the design of the individual role, skills in specific IT areas may also be required, such as network administration or software development.
You can acquire these skills through online sources, some of which can be found below:
- How To Become An Outstanding Solution Architect
- Learn AWS-some cloud skills
- Software Development Master Class – Intermediate C#
- The Complete JavaScript Course 2022: From Zero to Expert!
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Salary of a solution architect
The salary of a solution architect who is just starting out is around $52,000 per year whereas the salary of one with years of experience and skills is around $200,500. The average salary of a solution architect is $134,800 per annual year.
It’s important to note that the salary of a solution architect can vary depending on what industry they’re in and what role they play in a company.
In Germany, solution architects earn anywhere between €86,900 and €145,800 per year whereas in the UK, they earn between £60,000 and £87,500.
What is the salary of a solution architect?
| US | $52,000 – $200,500 |
| Germany | €86,900 – €145,800 |
| UK | £60,000 – £87,500 |
How much do freelance Solution architects earn?
| Average rate of Solution Architects (2022) | $96/hr |
On average, freelance Solution Architects charge $96/hour (freelancermap’s price and rate index in September 2022).
Most freelance Solution Architects have an hourly rate between $67 and $120.
If we consider an 8-hour working day at $96/hour, the daily rate for freelance Solution Architects is around $1,152/day.
