An IT architect is what? Examining the Job Description, Role, Compensation, and Required Skills
Modern enterprises and organisations rely heavily on IT. However, because every company is unique, it needs infrastructure that is especially suited to fulfilling its needs swiftly and effectively. Companies therefore require experts that can design and configure the best IT solutions. IT architects can help in this situation.
IT Architect: What Is It?
Everyone is familiar with architects. They are the ones who create the architectural plans for buildings and other structures. Although designers as well, information technology architects specialise on the digital world.
A specialist who develops high-level solutions for business applications, systems, portfolios, infrastructures, or a whole company is known as an IT architect. They create and manage communications, security, networking, storage, and other IT services and solutions for businesses and organisations.
In the field of information technology, the phrase “IT architect” is used to refer to a variety of distinct architect jobs. They consist of:
Field Architects. These architects work with infrastructure, data/information, business, and applications.
Business architects. All facets of IT architecture fall within the purview of this function.
architects of security. The techniques, procedures, and technologies used to safeguard assets from unauthorised and malevolent intruders are the main areas of attention for security architects.
architects for solutions. These experts create answers to difficulties and issues in business.
Theoretically, a person may concentrate solely on one of these specialised roles if they so choose. However, limiting oneself to just one facet of IT design would be foolish given how adaptable IT architects are.
What Performs an IT Architect?
Let’s use a fictitious instance. GenericCorp is a medium-sized, up and coming startup company that manufactures and sells plain, gray clothing. The CEO notices that the business has no IT department while the workforce is setting up everything they need to go online.
As a result, they hire a specialist to create a whole infrastructure from the bottom up, including servers, data storage, a working network, a private cloud, security protocols, and more. This person ensures everything runs smoothly when the IT infrastructure is set up and keeps management informed about the company’s IT resources. Last but not least, the expert monitors new technology developments, practises, and plans for potential evolution beyond the initial project’s scope.
What Functions and Duties Do IT Architects Have?
The specific duties and roles of an information technology architect are listed below in an itemised list. Keep in mind that not every architect will be expected to assume all of these duties. The size of the business, its requirements, and any additional IT personnel all factor heavily.
Planner: An IT architect must develop a project roadmap outlining the steps that must be taken to get from the current state to the desired outcomes. This roadmap should also include important tasks and appropriate deadlines.
Presenter and Communicator: Professionals in this position should communicate with all levels of management and any necessary experts, as well as present their vision to them. They must also be able to communicate their work to those outside the IT industry. This duty also entails managing any resulting disputes.
Leader: In the construction industry, architects create the plans while contractors carry out the actual construction. IT architects design the project and carry it through, frequently with a team. Therefore, IT architects must take on the role of a leader by setting clear objectives and goals for the team and ensuring that they stay on course.
Involvement Manager: The IT architect should choose the most significant and pertinent stakeholders before the project begins and get their input on the architecture. IT architects need to understand how to create a bridge between business and IT cultures.
Counselor and Consultant: IT architects need to be able to establish trusting working relationships with clients and provide first-rate customer service. A potential IT architect establishes trust and productive working connections by being available to advise and consult in order to benefit everyone concerned.
Change Manager: The most crucial role is certainly this one. IT architects are change agents by virtue of the work they undertake for the company. They must comprehend how various business factors, including employees, data, applications, and infrastructure modifications, will be impacted by the adjustments. These modifications extend outside the scope of the ongoing project as well. They must also take into account potential changes in the future, such as the addition of new procedures or cutting-edge technology.