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What Are the Duties of a Lead

Solutions Architect?
by Debra Kraft, Demand Media

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Solutions architects design technology solutions.

Not all architects design buildings. Some architects design the complex interactions between
business processes and the technologies that enable those processes to function in today's
data-driven age. A solutions architect works in the field of information technology. He focuses
on establishing the best technology solution to meet a specific business need in his area of
expertise, whether it be applications, hardware or infrastructure services. A lead solutions
architect guides other architects in the definition, design and project delivery of services in the
workplace.

Scope
A solutions architect is part of an organization's enterprise architecture group, although the
scope of his work is at a tactical level. He focuses on individual projects rather than enterprise-
level ones. The lead architect works directly with business representatives to understand the
specific requirements that are driving the need for a solution to be designed. He then plans and
implements the design activities required.

Business Planning
A lead solutions architect is technically focused but must also understand business planning.
He leads teams of both business and technical colleagues throughout the course of the project,
and he has to be able to communicate with each of them effectively. He should know what
questions to ask and when to ask them to verify that nothing crucial to the success of the
project is overlooked. Although his project addresses tactical business objectives, he must
consider the impacts his solution could have to the organization's overall business processes
and strategies.

Design Planning
The lead solutions architect works with his team to formulate a design plan that factors
technology investments and risks while providing value to the company by improving business
processes and eliminating unnecessary complexities. He has the responsibility to avoid
solutions that don't represent wise investments. When solutions require external resources,
equipment or other expenditures, the lead architect reviews vendor proposals to identify which
promises the most value and the best return on investment.

Project Execution
The lead solutions architect plans the technical requirements to transition a design into a
working solution. After he leads the design phase of the project, he participates in all
remaining phases to verify that the design is installed, configured and documented correctly.
Throughout the course of implementation, he helps the project team recognize and mitigate
any risks to existing business processes or to the solution's overall success. The lead solutions
architect is also involved in training to make sure the solution will be supported and
maintained appropriately after implementation is complete.

Background and Qualifications

Most hiring companies expect a lead solutions architect to have a bachelor's degree in
computer science or information technology. An architect might also be expected to hold or to
obtain certification in a specific area of expertise. As an example, a solutions architect focusing
on network services might be certified as a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert. Ten years of
experience working in the field is generally required before an architect is given a lead role.

References

Cutter Consortium: The Role of Solution Architect(http://www.cutter.com/content-and-

analysis/resource-centers/enterprise-architecture/sample-our-research/ea120725.html)
Tech Target: Solutions Architecture Learning
Guide(http://searchsoa.techtarget.com/feature/Solutions-architecture-learning-guide)
Architecting the Enterprise: Solution Architecture and TOGAF 9(http://www.architecting-the-
enterprise.com/pdf/presentations/soa_and_togaf_tog_london_may.pdf)