Information Technology (IT) is not just about computers and wires all over the office. However, IT is the backbone of every modern business and organization today.
But obviously, some organizations are different. Every organization has its set of other goals, organizational operations, and, most importantly, unique challenges.
Fortunately, this is one of those reasons that an organization—no matter small or large—needs someone who can design and build the perfect IT solution for them.
In other words, someone who can mix and match different tools and technologies to create a custom-made infrastructure.
As an information technology architect, you are responsible for managing the technology-related aspects of your organization or company. In other words, an information technology architect ensures that the security architecture and the business plans follow the organization’s pre-defined standards.
An information technology architect also creates and implements updated security systems to protect your IT assets. Apart from that, they analyze relevant information to solve IT problems as they arise.
In some companies, an information technology architect may also develop conceptual models to describe how your IT systems and components work and interact.
But IT architecture is not a one-size-fits-all thing. There are different types of IT architects who specialize in different areas of IT. Here are some of them; take a quick look:
Domain Architects: These experts in applications, business, data/information, and infrastructure. They know how to make these domains work together seamlessly.
Enterprise Architects: These are the big-picture thinkers overseeing all IT architecture aspects. They have a vision for the entire enterprise and how IT can support it.
Security Architects: These are the guardians of IT assets. They protect them from hackers, viruses, and other threats. They use various mechanisms, processes, and technologies to ensure security.
Solutions Architects: These problem-solvers develop solutions to specific business issues and problems. They use their creativity and technical skills to find the best way to address them.
As an information technology architect, you will design and create new technology systems and optimize the performance of existing ones. Considering the budget and timeline, you look at the business needs and client requirements to decide what system features and technology infrastructure you need.
Aside from this, an information technology architect should consider public demands and technology developments to ensure that your deliverables are desirable and applicable to the audience. This approach increases awareness and attracts potential clients, which means more money for your business.
An information technology architect should be proficient in technical and project management skills, especially when it comes to implementing technology solutions and running diagnostic tests.
Here are the roles and responsibilities of an IT Architect:
Hard Skills
Cloud: Migrate outdated legacy applications into cloud-based solutions that reduce the dependency on costly hosted proprietary solutions.
Java: Create and implement a Java Client/Server application that enabled IBM external suppliers to generate shipping documentation.
Emerging Technologies: Stay updated with current and emerging technologies and have the ability to lead a large, complex portfolio of technology projects.
Azure: Develop strategies for ensuring data consistency between applications communicating via REST API hosted in Microsoft Azure.
Project Management: Work with executives and project management teams to suggest applications, technology services, and other relevant solution strategies.
Enterprise Architecture: Design C2-related enterprise architectures, solution architectures, target architectures, blueprints and designs.
Soft Skills
Analytical Skills: In today’s IT environment, data analytics is a hot topic, but when it comes to analytical skills, you have to have this for sure. As an IT Architect, you must have the analytical skills to process and understand the information to make effective organizational decisions.
Communication: Good communication is vital for any role in any industry. Whether written or spoken, you must have excellent communication skills to convey your message effectively. When it comes to teamwork, you might have to guide your team, including your company’s higher authorities, clients, or non-technical staff.
Organizational Skills: IT architects have to wear multiple hats in a single day, even at the same desk. They must be organized, managing prioritization, resource management, and time management.
Project Management: This skill is crucial to becoming a successful IT Architect. Because not everyone has the skills to handle the project—from start to end, project management involves planning, initiating, executing, controlling, and completing a project to meet goals and specific criteria for success.
An IT architect in India can expect to earn an average annual income of ₹1,873,712, while according to Glassdoor, an IT architect in the US can earn a median yearly income of USD 106,628.
If you want to become a certified security architecture expert, consider earning the Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP) certification.
The CISSP-ISSAP certification validates your professional experience of 2 years in designing, developing, or analyzing security plans. You will be qualified to work as a Chief Security Architect or Analyst or as an independent consultant in similar roles.
As a security architect, you will have a key role in the information security department, bridging the gap between the C-suite and upper management and implementing the security program. With the CISSP-ISSAP certification, you will be responsible for creating and maintaining the overall security plan, which may involve technical and non-technical aspects of information security.
Best suited for:
The IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL) certification program is ideal for every IT service and support professional. The IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL) course will teach you the basics of ITIL —a framework that helps you organize and improve your IT services.
Also, you will learn how ITIL can help you align your IT with your business goals, deliver better service quality, and lower your costs in the long run. Apart from that, you will also learn about the 10 core processes and the Service Desk functions that are part of ITIL and how they can be applied in any organization, big or small.
Best suited for:
There is no need to tell you how important the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is. Becoming a PMP means you have proven your skills and knowledge in project management. You need to meet some requirements before applying for the PMP Credential, such as having a certain level of education and experience in project management and following a code of professional conduct.
In order to earn the PMP certification, you also need to pass a challenging exam that tests your ability to apply project management knowledge in six areas: how to start, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close a project, and be professional and ethical.
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam is a computer-based test that you can take anywhere in the world, and it is available in 10 languages. So you are free to choose yours.
Best suited for:
The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) is considered one of the highest-value credentials that validates your knowledge and skills in enterprise architecture. Enterprise architecture is the practice of designing, planning, implementing, and governing the information technology architecture of an organization.
The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) is also a standard of The Open Group for IT Architects to improve your business efficiency. TOGAF is used by the world’s leading organizations to design and manage their enterprise architectures.
The Open Group TOGAF certification program has over 75,000 certified professionals and trainers worldwide. You can become a TOGAF 9 certified professional by passing two exams, either self-study or attending an accredited training course.
Best suited for:
A systems architect and a solutions architect are the most common jobs to which an information technology architect can advance.
The career path usually begins as a senior information technology engineer, and then, after gaining years of hands-on experience and real-life expertise, can progress to a technology architect role.
However, here are the typical job roles (with their average salary) that you can expect:
If you want to be a successful IT architect, you need to master the technical aspects of systems architecture and understand the security and infrastructure issues. You also have to be good at managing projects and prioritizing the use of resources.
Besides that, you should have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to IT. You might also benefit from having more degrees and certifications and some experience in a similar role.
If you are already working as an IT architect and looking for a way to take the certification exam, sit back and rest. We've got you covered! CBT Proxy has been helping IT professionals earn their desired certification on the first attempt only.
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