Types of IT Architects

Types of IT architects

Based on a deep and extensive analysis, the IT architects design, supervise/develop high-quality solutions for a business portfolio, system, application, infrastructure or entire company. With this they lay the foundation for the realization of software projects.

What duties does an IT architect have?

Together with software developers, the IT architect designs (architects) new applications, systems' software and cloud solutions. In addition, he/she streamlines existing design patterns or architectures. Ideally, this highly experienced specialist will provide the employer with a high competitive advantage. In addition, he/she uses his/her expertise to direct or advice customers and companies. We list the biggest challenges for techies in this position.

  • Project management.
  • Analyze and define user requirements.
  • Designing new structures/infrastructures.
  • Determine solutions' functionalities in consultation with the departments involved.
  • Make product selection criteria for the purchase of new software or hardware required.
  • Compare existing patterns with target architectures.
  • Analyze tech trends and see to what extent these can be standardized.
  • Develop design documents.
  • Upgrade older design components.
  • Check financial/budget feasibility.
  • Perform function test.

IT architects must be firmly established in terms of content and methodology and have extensive work experience to be successful in their work. During projects they mediate between developers and future users of software solutions. These two groups do not always speak the same language, therefore highly developed communication skills are required.

Different types of IT architects

  • IT architecture is viewed from multiple angles. The work involved in a role differs per company. We describe the most common job titles.
  • The enterprise architect monitors the overall vision of the interplay of the business, data and technology dimensions. He/she is involved in architecture management and is not or to a lesser extent directly involved in projects.
  • The job titles solutions and system architect embrace two different perspectives. The solutions architect may be involved in the design of applications and solutions tailored to functional requirements. The system architect can deal with the infrastructure and implementation. In medium-sized and smaller organizations, an IT specialist usually fulfills both roles, while in larger organizations the responsibilities are usually divided.
  • Another common job title is domain architect. In terms of depth and scope, this role is intermediate between that of the enterprise and solutions architect and is subdivided into the sub-areas:
    • Dates
    • Integration
    • Safety
    • IT processes
    • Mobile: iOS, Android, cross platform
    • Cloud: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
    • Infrastructure: network, server, web run time