What is a systems architect?

Have you ever been on the new line of something and had to give a lot of explanations to help people understand what you did or what you were doing? If so, you probably have an idea of ​​how people who call themselves system architects feel when they are continually asked by others what they do.

It’s kind of funny because a lot of us depend on the work these professionals do every day, but we don’t even know they exist. They are similar in some ways to the traditional architect you can think of, but they are also very different because they have nothing to do with buildings.

No, what these super smart people do for a living is design computer systems. A systems architect begins at the deepest core of the computer brain. They design and build the basic structural components of, one might say, from the ground (circuits) upwards. But, they build it in what you might consider magnanimous proportions.

Generally speaking, these are pretty smart people. Imagine someone with the intellect to envision a huge network of computer systems, breaking it down in your mind and documentation into separate manageable subcomponents that are then assigned to other types of engineers.

One way to understand what these people do is to look at what their job roles and responsibilities might include.

Customer interface – They will likely need to interview the customer to understand the customer’s needs. The art here is listening to the client and speaking in simple terms while creating the big picture on the drawing board (computer).

Integration: depending on the system being designed, it would be expected that the architect can visualize, consider and plan any type of integration and / or interfaces that need to flow back and forth to provide the optimal solution to the client.

Design – From conceptual understanding to blueprint and final design, this expert holds the keys to the realm in complete planning and development of computer system setup, infrastructure, and design.

Standards Realization – Ultimately, the systems architect is responsible for knowing and meeting all appropriate standards when required. They should also try to factor in current and future costs to provide the most efficient and effective solutions possible.

Although the job is a complex adventure and requires a broad knowledge base. Brainstorming that can carry this type of brainpower requires education and extensive experience. If you’re interested in taking on such a big fish in the sea of ​​the IT world, be sure to talk to your boss, advisor, or IT friends to see what the prospects look like.