Solution architecture ARCH
The design and communication of high-level structures to enable and guide the design and development of integrated solutions that meet current and future business needs. In addition to technology components, solution architecture encompasses changes to service, process, organisation, and operating models. The provision of comprehensive guidance on the development of, and modifications to, solution components to ensure that they take account of relevant architectures, strategies, policies, standards and practices (including security) and that existing and planned solution components remain compatible.
Moving to SFIA 8
There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 8.
- The skill descriptions have been edited for readability and guidance notes have been added
- Details available here - SFIA 8 Solution architecture
- SFIA 7 skill descriptions will remain available for you to use
- Previous SFIA assessments are not impacted by this change.
Levels of responsibility for this skill
| 4 | 5 | 6 |
Solution architecture: Levels 1-3
This skill is not typically observed or practiced at these levels of responsibility and accountability.
Solution architecture: Level 4
Contributes to the development of solution architectures in specific business, infrastructure or functional areas. Identifies and evaluates alternative architectures and the trade-offs in cost, performance and scalability. Produces specifications of cloud-based or on-premises components, tiers and interfaces, for translation into detailed designs using selected services and products. Supports a change programme or project through the preparation of technical plans and application of design principles that comply with enterprise and solution architecture standards (including security).
Solution architecture: Level 5
Leads the development of solution architectures in specific business, infrastructure or functional areas. Ensures that appropriate tools and methods are available, understood and employed in architecture development. Within a change programme, leads the preparation of technical plans and, in liaison with business assurance and project staff, ensures that appropriate technical resources are made available. Provides advice on technical aspects of solution development and integration (including requests for changes, deviations from specifications, etc.) and ensures that relevant technical strategies, policies, standards and practices (including security) are applied correctly.
Solution architecture: Level 6
Leads the development of architectures for complex solutions, ensuring consistency with specified requirements agreed with both external, and internal customers. Takes full responsibility for the balance between functional, service quality and systems management requirements within a significant area of the organisation. Establishes policy and strategy for the selection of solution architecture components, and co-ordinates design activities, promoting the discipline to ensure consistency. Ensures that appropriate standards (corporate, industry, national and international) are adhered to. Within a business change programme, manages the target design, policies and standards, working proactively to maintain a stable, viable architecture and ensure consistency of design across projects within the programme.
Solution architecture: Level 7
This skill is not typically observed or practiced at this level of responsibility and accountability.