Retrain from Developer to Solution Architect

[tenpin]

An agent is suggesting that I pursue a Solutions Architect role. I have 25 years cross platform lifecycle development experience, some team leadership, some Analysis, plenty of interaction with senior management and end users.
Its understood that I will be re-training to some extent and the initial remuneration is about 80% of the average for non-London Solutions Architect.

Any views? The Wikipedia definition is a but scary - SA's are an expert on all IT platforms, a DBA and a accomplished Project Manager all rolled into one apparently....

When I was a permie, I was nominally a Solution Architect and found that as well as being able to do the technical side, I spent a large portion of my time in addressing all the non-functionals like reliability, scalability, performance, failover strategies etc. I also had to actively manage a risk register, a requirements traceability matrix. Hardware and software vendor relationships too. Other stuff was the business side - budgeting, planning, resource profiling. And people issues - having a team of technical architects in a room, all with massive egos and arbitrating the various discussions was hard work. I used to crave the days when you could do a bit of technology, but I found that maybe 20% of the time was technical, the rest was the stuff I mention above.

I now contract as a low-life developer and get paid twice as much for a fraction of the stress!

[foster42]

it's not such a huge jump if you are able interact with all levels in an organisation and convey complex technical concepts to a less technical audience.

Thanks Tazman, useful post - I have dealt with staff at all levels so perhaps I have to let go of the Developer security blanket and make the leap into consulting - 1st interview being organised by Agent...

[ChimpMaster]

The Wikipedia definition is a but scary - SA's are an expert on all IT platforms, a DBA and a accomplished Project Manager all rolled into one apparently....

I would take that with a pinch of salt. A Solutions Architect can be one in any field of specialism, with a degree of knowledge in surrounding technologies and environments. An architect is most certainly not an "expert" on all IT platforms - this in itself would be self-defeating. I've seen several definitions of a SA but the one I worked in was more high-level design based and centering on a small number of products and within one main area of I.T.

Solutions Architect is the most interesting role I have ever played in my career, though it was more pre-sales oriented than technical architect biased. A great role if you can get one. Chances are that you have probably played this role at some point in your career already - it's not such a huge jump if you are able interact with all levels in an organisation and convey complex technical concepts to a less technical audience.

[mace]

Don't sweat it

I wouldn't go on what's said in Wikipedia as what people do in job titles in IT varies tremendously.

My perception of a solutions architect is somebody who does research in to the components (hardware & software) required to build a complete solution, creates a presentation around this and presents it to senior managers. At this point, I feel a solution architect's role should end and the delivery team should step in to create the solution. Many SAs do go on to project manage the delivery as well, however.

I'd say an analytical mind combined with flexibily, good presentation skills and the ability to think on your feet are the main attributes required for the role I've described. Obviously having a pedigree in what you're proposing gives you credibility.

[foster42]

An agent is suggesting that I pursue a Solutions Architect role. I have 25 years cross platform lifecycle development experience, some team leadership, some Analysis, plenty of interaction with senior management and end users.
Its understood that I will be re-training to some extent and the initial remuneration is about 80% of the average for non-London Solutions Architect.

Any views? The Wikipedia definition is a but scary - SA's are an expert on all IT platforms, a DBA and a accomplished Project Manager all rolled into one apparently....