How to Become a Solutions Architect?
In FY 2024, the IT industry contributed a staggering 7% to India’s GDP, and its role is only expanding (1). With government initiatives such as Digital India and the country’s position as a global outsourcing hub, technology-driven solutions are shaping the nation’s future. In this booming industry, one role has emerged as indispensable—the solutions architect.
As businesses undergo rapid digital transformation, the need for skilled professionals who can design, implement, and oversee complex IT functions is surging, and being one such crucial role, the solutions architects are indispensable in the IT industry. But what does a solutions architect do? What skills are necessary to excel in this role? And, more importantly, how can you become a solutions architect? Let’s explore everything you need to know.
What Does a Solution Architect Do?
Within an organization, a solutions architect serves at the juncture of business and technology. Their task is to ensure the strategizing, planning, and execution of technological solutions to materialize the business objectives of an organization. Hence, their role is not confined to individual tasks like coding, cloud architecture, or system administration. Rather, they set the technological vision, design, and oversee the implementation of IT systems in a holistic manner, ensuring that it aligns with the company’s vision. While the specifics of a solutions architect job description vary based on organizational needs, the role typically involves several key responsibilities:
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1. Architectural Design and Planning
At its core, the job requires designing IT infrastructures that solve business problems. A solutions architect must consider system scalability, security, and cost-efficiency while crafting architectural blueprints.
2. Implementation Oversight
A brilliant design is meaningless without proper execution. Architects work closely with development teams to ensure their blueprints are implemented correctly, making necessary adjustments along the way.
3. Testing and Debugging
Before deploying an IT solution, architects oversee rigorous testing. They identify vulnerabilities, troubleshoot issues, and refine systems for optimal performance.
4. Technology Selection and Evaluation
Every IT project demands a mix of programming languages, cloud platforms, and security protocols. Solutions architects analyze options and recommend the most suitable technology stack.
5. Business Analysis and Alignment
Beyond the technical realm, architects engage with business leaders to understand strategic objectives. They ensure that IT solutions support revenue growth, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
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6. Stakeholder Communication
A solutions architect collaborates with executives, project managers, developers, and clients. Their ability to translate technical jargon into business-friendly language is crucial.
7. Documentation and Compliance
Architects maintain thorough documentation, ensuring IT solutions meet regulatory standards and organizational policies.
8. Team Collaboration and Leadership
Guiding development teams and mentoring junior professionals is a significant part of the job. Many solutions architect jobs require leadership skills to drive project success.
What Skills are Required for a Solution Architect?
Now that you have explored what does a solution architect do, let’s focus on the essential skills that are required to succeed in this field. To excel as a solutions architect, you must develop a unique blend of technical expertise, analytical thinking, and leadership abilities. This role demands more than just knowledge of programming or the cloud—it requires a deep understanding of business objectives, system design, and team collaboration as well. So, if you’re wondering what skills are required for a solution architect, peruse the following section carefully.
1. Advanced Technical Knowledge
A solutions architect must have expertise in system architecture, cloud computing, and infrastructure design. You need hands-on experience with platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Furthermore, familiarity with networking protocols, security frameworks, and database management (SQL and NoSQL) is also essential.
2. Proficiency in Software Development
Although a solutions architect does not write code daily, a strong foundation in programming languages like Python, C, C++, or JavaScript is absolutely crucial.
3. Cloud Computing and Security Expertise
As businesses are increasingly relying upon cloud solutions for scalability and cost-efficiency, a solution architect must be skilled in areas like cloud architectures, hybrid environments, security compliance, etc. Understanding cybersecurity best practices and frameworks (like GDPR, DPAPA, etc) ensures that your designs remain resilient against threats.
4. Business Acumen
Many people ask, what does a solution architect do beyond technical tasks? The answer lies in strategic, business-focused thinking. As a solution architect, you must be proficient at analyzing business challenges and designing IT solutions that align with organizational goals. In addition, you might also need financial literacy to evaluate project costs, optimize resources, and demonstrate a return on investment. So, if you’re wondering what skills are required for a solution architect, building business acumen is definitely something that you should consider.
5. Communication and Leadership
A solutions architect interacts with developers, executives, and clients. Clear communication ensures that business stakeholders understand complex technical concepts. Leadership skills are equally critical, as you must guide teams, resolve conflicts, and make high-stakes decisions that will directly impact your organization.
6. Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Technology evolves rapidly, and architects must stay ahead of trends. Whether it’s integrating AI, blockchain, or IoT, staying adaptable is crucial. Strong problem-solving skills help you troubleshoot technical roadblocks and devise innovative solutions.
Mastering these skills will significantly enhance your career prospects in solutions architect jobs across various industries.
How to Become a Solutions Architect
Now, let’s come to the key question: how to become a solutions architect? The first thing to remember is that this is not an entry-level position. So, along with educational qualification, you will require hands-on experience through working in various IT domains for a number of years, and industry certifications to transition into this career. Let’s walk through the steps that will get you there.
1. Obtain the Right Educational Qualifications
A strong academic background is essential. Most solutions architects hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or software engineering. Some professionals take it a step further with a master’s degree in specialized areas like cloud computing, data science, or cybersecurity. However, for those interested in the business side of IT, an MBA in Information Systems can be an excellent choice as this degree helps bridge the gap between technology and business strategy, a critical component of a solutions architect job description.
2. Gain Hands-on Industry Experience
Since this is not a beginner role, you must gain real-world experience in IT before moving into architecture. Typically, professionals start in the following positions:
- Software developer: Writing code, building applications, and understanding system architectures
- Network administrator: Managing enterprise networks and ensuring security protocols
- Systems engineer: Designing, implementing, and maintaining IT infrastructures
- Cloud engineer: Working with cloud technologies and optimizing performance
These roles provide the technical foundation required for solutions architect jobs, with most professionals spending 5 to 10 years in these positions before transitioning into solutions architecture.
3. Get Certifications
If you want to stand out in solutions architect jobs and add credibility to your resume, here are some of the popular industry-recognized certifications that you can go for:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)
- Google Professional Cloud Architect
- VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization (VCP-NV)
- TOGAF Certification (for enterprise architecture frameworks)
4. Develop Business Acumen & Leadership Skills
Many candidates focus solely on technical knowledge and overlook business acumen. However, a solutions architect must understand budgeting, resource allocation, and stakeholder management. Developing leadership skills is also crucial, as architects often lead cross-functional teams.
Solutions Architect Salary in India
What is the solution architect’s salary in India? Given the complexity of the role, a solutions architect salary is highly attractive. The average annual compensation ranges between ₹20,00,000 – ₹38,10,000, reflecting the high demand for professionals in this field (2). However, actual salaries depend on factors like experience, location, and employer. Some of the leading companies in India offer the following solutions architect salary brackets (3):
- Tech Mahindra: ₹14,00,000 – ₹28,00,000
- Ericsson India Global Services Ltd: ₹1900,000 – ₹28,00,000
- Wipro: ₹16,00,000 – ₹26,00,000
- IBM: ₹19,00,000 – ₹33,00,000
If you’re specifically wondering what is the salary of a solution architect in TCS, one of the most popular destinations for IT professionals, the figures range between ₹13,00,000 – ₹23,00,000 per year (4).
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Become a Solutions Architect With Emeritus
Gaining experience in IT is essential if you’re looking to land solutions architecture jobs. However, despite your experience, at some point, you may realize gaps in your expertise. For example, you might have strong technical skills but lack the strategic thinking needed for senior roles. Or, you may understand systems well, but struggle with the decision-making responsibilities of a solutions architect. Therefore, stepping into solutions architecture can feel overwhelming without structured guidance. This is where Emeritus, with its host of online IT courses and programmes in related fields, intends to intervene. These courses are designed for both early-career professionals and experienced specialists.
Designed by globally top-ranking institutes, the curriculum of these courses is designed to address the evolving demands of the tech industry, ensuring that learners gain practical insights, hands-on experience, and strategic expertise. So, If you’re ready to move beyond your current role and master the skills required to succeed as a solutions architect, consider enrolling in Emeritus’ IT courses.
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