Architect!

Over the last few years, there has been an increased focus on architecture within the IT domain. If you spend some time searching for people with “architect” in their title, you will find a multitude of titles like

(1) Enterprise architect

(2) Data architect

(3) Business process architect

(4) Application architect

(5) Solution architect

(6) Infrastructure architect

(7) Security architect

(8) Technology architect

Are all of these roles the same? Or are they complimentary?

I like the description posted on Wikipedia for the function/responsibility of different architects.

“Enterprise architects are like city planners, providing the roadmaps and regulations that a city uses to manage its growth and provide services to its citizens. In this analogy, it is possible to differentiate the role of the system architect, who plans one or more buildings; software architects, who are responsible for something analogous to the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) within the building; network architects, who are responsible for something like the plumbing within the building, and the water and sewer infrastructure between buildings or parts of a city. The enterprise architect however, like a city planner, both frames the city-wide design, and choreographs other activities into the larger plan.”

These roles are different and serve different purposes. The roles are complimentary and the functions. In order to implement business systems and underlying infrastructure, specific architecture domains to be covered (Business, Data, Applications, Technology).

The key to success is engaging all the different facets of architecture to create a technology roadmap and strategy by which your organization can start from the current state and finish in the end state so as to achieve corporate objectives and goals.

"Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are my own only and in no way represent the views, positions or opinions - expressed or implied - of my employer (present and past) "
"Please post your comments - Swati Ranganathan"