Role of an Architect in Software Engineering by Silpa Akkina

Introduction  Special talent.  Architects create architectures.  Sound sense of business and technical strategy.

Definition  Technical leadership based upon experience and knowledge.  “A good Architect is the principle keeper of the user’s vision of the end product” Norman Simenson

Need of an Architect in Software Engineering  To design and build a software product  Leads the architecture team, developer community and the organization.  Apex of the software engineering process.  Effective communication.

Characteristics of an Architect  Technically competent  Business strategy  Organizational politics  Consulting  Leadership

Characteristics of an Architect - Continued  Technically competent  In-depth understanding.  Understand what technical issues are key to success.  Development methods and modeling techniques

 Business strategy  Organization’s business strategy and rationale  Competition (products, strategies and processes)  Company’s business practices Characteristics of an Architect - Continued

 Organizational politics  Who are the key players.  What they want.  Consulting  Elicitation techniques.  Consulting frameworks. Characteristics of an Architect - continued

 Leadership  Self confident.  Decision making.

Roles &Responsibilities  Communicator  Strategist  Leader  Coherent, Intuitive and Creative  Risk assessment and Management

Traps and Pitfalls of an Architect  Improper reporting structure  Lack of authority  Globalization  Team composition

Additional Skills and Qualities  Experience  Excellent oral, written and personal communication skills  Up to date technical skills  Innovative and have a vision  Mentor

Conclusion  Deep understanding about technology and business factors.  Greatest challenge – communication skills.  Lead the project with minimum confusion and fuss.

References  Large-Scale Software Architecture, A practical guide using UML by Garland and Richard Anthony  Resources for Software Architect-  Web Resources