What is a Technical Architect?

Architecture roles are vital to a business. Solutions Architects, Technical Architects and Enterprise Architects all play a role in ensuring the company aligns and complies with all the necessary regulations while being ethical and transparent.

To implement solutions successfully, the technology and software you are using must be designed, implemented and upheld with diligence. That’s where the Technical Architect comes in. Their job is to ensure the client is benefitting as much as they can from the proposed strategy, while staying on the right side of the law.

Technical Architect Definition

So, what is a Technical Architect? A Technical Architect is a specialist who leads the implementation of the technologies used in astrategy and the technical aspects of software development. This requires a broad range of technical knowledge and skills, as well as an ability to solve complex problems based on a set of business requirements.

Different businesses often use various software solutions, so Technical Architects must be able to apply their knowledge in a wide range of situations and remain flexible to meet the client’s needs. Specific coding expertise proves beneficial in this regard.

Similar to a Solutions Architect, they are required to communicate with clients and employees effectively. As many architects with different responsibilities contribute to the strategy, they must be able to explain their approach and ensure their work complements that of the other. They also must be confident in explaining their methodology to a client, breaking down technical jargon into non-technical English.

Responsibilities of a Technical Architect

A Technical Architect will begin by creating detailed specifications and documents to ensure the software solutions are implemented correctly and align with other parts of the strategy.

Here, communications with the Enterprise Architect will be important, as this architect will check the solution aligns with the business’ objectives. In this process, the pair will evaluate each technology, tool and framework from a few perspectives:

• Does it have the correct capabilities?
• Can it be scaled?
• Is it a secure option to implement?

Once the solution is implemented, regular code reviews must be conducted to ensure it is still meeting best practice expectations and maintaining the correct standard. These reviews enable the Technical Architect to provide developers with advice and guidance on how to maintain optimal performance. They can then address any bottlenecks occurring in the applications or software, ultimately boosting speed and efficiency for the client.

The Technical Architect plays a key role in the process of implementing a strategy for a client. Their knowledge and expertise are crucial for a smooth, secure implementation.

Technical Architect vs. Solutions Architect: Key Differences

In our last blog post, we discussed the role of a Solutions Architect. These roles have overarching similarities, but as the two architects are required to communicate frequently to produce the best possible strategy, it is also important to understand where they differ.

The Technical Architect

A Technical Architect’s view has much more depth than a Solutions Architect’s – and they have a technical focus. Their main role is to look at the software development and decide how this should be implemented. Their specialities range from programming and stacks to knowing how to develop and troubleshoot these to suit the business requirements of a client.

A Technical Architect’s knowledge of implementation and functionality means the strategy can be tailored to the client’s needs in the best possible way. They provide reliability, scalability and security within the solution.

The Solutions Architect

A Solutions Architect has a much broader view, encompassing many of the different features necessary in designing and deploying a strategy. Whilst also having technical knowledge, they must be able to align the solution with the business aspects of the strategy. You must have significant expertise in a number of different areas to succeed in this role.

These two professionals must also acknowledge the responsibilities of an Enterprise Architect and communicate to ensure the strategy implemented aligns with the requirements and objectives of the business itself.

Qualities That Make a Great Technical Architect

Technical Architects require a detailed understanding of many technical aspects of a company’s architecture. They should have the following essential qualities:

1. Strong technical expertise and previous hands-on experience in software development

The role requires a depth of technical knowledge in software development. You must be able to offer flexibility and be confident in enhancing a variety of applications. This way, you’ll deliver the best possible strategy based on the company’s requirements.

2. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically

Some clients will approach you with more complex business requirements than others, and it is vital that all types of clients can be accommodated. You must approach problems with an open mind and think outside the box, alwaysconsidering the specific objectives and business requirements.

3. Leadership and project management abilities to guide development teams

Building a strategy is not an individual effort – it requires the contribution and guidance of a number of different people and skillsets. Therefore, the ability to communicate and provide advice and guidance to other team members is critical.

4. Effective communication skills and ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

While the Technical Architect’s role is technically focused, there will be others on the team with less knowledge in this area. The architect bears the responsibility of elucidating the presented concepts in a non-technical fashion to ensure the entire team comprehends their contributions to the strategy. This also ensures compatibility between the Solutions and Enterprise Architect’s responsibilities.

5. Commitment to staying current with evolving technologies

To expand on their knowledge, Technical Architects are encouraged to research and adapt to new technologies. Updates and new releases are much more likely to be secure and offer capabilities that could further benefit the client in their strategy, as well as making the process simpler. A commitment to adapting your skills is essential.

The Evolving Role of Technical Architects in a Modern Tech Landscape

The modern technology landscape is constantly changing, as is the role of a Technical Architect. With the rise of AI and cloud computing, these professionals must be prepared to grow their skill sets and face any challenges that come with implementing these technologies.

With an increased need for cybersecurity solutions and systems compatible with these technologies, there will be an increased number of opportunities – and hurdles. More clients are likely to need these services, but the strategy will need to address more complex requirements.

If the Technical Architect can’t meet the evolving needs of the client, they are likely to lose business. This fact emphasises the importance of a commitment to research. To endure, you must keep up to date with the latest versions and technical capabilities of the software you specialise in.

What is Cybersecurity Architecture?

With the increased need for Cybersecurity systems, it is important to discuss Cyber Security Architecture in this setting.

As part of the strategy, the Technical Architect will be responsible for the implementation of robust cyber security measures throughout the organisation.

These should address both the systems and the employees. The purpose of these measures is to ensure systems, data, networks and employees are as secure as possible to protect against potential cyber-attacks.

To successfully achieve this goal, they may choose to implement any of the following systems:

• Security Infrastructure Design – Implementing security procedures and principles into the infrastructure of the business, including the physical, hardware and software.
• Cybersecurity Protocols and Standards – Setting the minimum requirements that must be achieved by the business to claim basic cyber security practises are in place.
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation – Assessing the risks of the systems implemented, predicting possible future risks, and determining how best to mitigate against said risks.
• Security Software Integration – Implementing secure software and integrating systems to keep existing software secure.
• Incident Response and Recovery – Having a procedure and plan in place to protect people, systems and business if a cyber-attack were to occur.
• Continuous Monitoring Systems – Monitoring movement in systems to detect cyber-attacks ahead of time.

What We’ve Learnt

A Technical Architect plays a pivotal role in the design and implementation of a strategy for a business. Specifically, they influence the software development and technical features to ensure all the necessary business requirements are not only met but exceeded.

With a growing team of experts, Cyberfort provides Technical Solutions Architecture for businesses that require Cybersecurity systems. Our team of professionals is skilled, knowledgeable and flexible – we look to exceed your requirements in the strategy we provide and the service we give.

If this is something you are interested in discussing, contact us now. We will be waiting to hear from you!