The Role of Solution Architect

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Table 1 -- Comparison of Solution and Enterprise Architects

Topic
Solution Architecture
Enterprise Architecture

Scope
Single solution or set of related solutions
All current and future solutions and COTS

Primary Goals
Ensure that the solution fits within the enterprise context
Define the enterprise context including business, information, application, and technology

Responsibility
Translates nonfunctional and functional requirements into design, within enterprise context
Translates strategies into target architectures and roadmaps

Tradeoffs
Enterprise strategy and goals vs. solution tactical and delivery requirements
Prioritization and rationalization of conflicting business, information, and technology requirements

Primary Artifacts
Solutions architectures and designs
Enterprise reference architectures, patterns and standards

Primary Stakeholders
Solutions owners, EA, development team, technology
Executive leadership, business leaders, CIO, solutions

Characteristics
Credibility with solutions teams and owners
Broad knowledge and experience, vision

Skills
Conceptualization, patterns, modeling, design, communications
Contextualization, conceptualization, abstraction, modeling, communications

Reporting Structure
Assigned to and functions as part of solution team; may report to solution owner or line of business, development, or EA
Reports to EA team, typically part of CIO organization