The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Software configuration PORT

Designing and deploying software product configurations into software environments or platforms.

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

  • Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Application of SFIA skills for cloud-based working, Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels).
  • New level 2 added to support entry-level roles.
  • Readability improvements have been made to level 3.
  • You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
  • Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

This skill is typically applied to the design and deployment of configurations of large, complex software.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) software
  • server/mainframe operating systems
  • software as a service (SaaS) solutions
  • integration platforms/suites
  • tools provided by infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS) providers.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • porting software configurations across different environments or platforms
  • refactoring complex or overlapping configurations across different software modules and capabilities
  • designing and implementing configurations that use architectures and services like microservices, serverless and containers
  • optimising configurations for performance, scalability and cost-efficiency
  • managing configurations across multiple environments and ensuring interoperability
  • applying infrastructure as code principles to automate configuration deployment and management.

Depending on requirements and the characteristics of the project or assigned work, software configuration methods and lifecycles can be predictive (plan-driven) approaches or adaptive (iterative/agile) approaches.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...
  • Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

  • Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
  • Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
  • Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

2 3 4 5 6

Software configuration: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

Assists with software configuration tasks.

Supports the setup and customisation of software environments and platforms.

Helps document and report on configuration changes and deployments.

Reviews own work.

Software configuration: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Designs, verifies, documents, amends and refactors moderately complex software configurations for deployment.

Applies agreed standards and tools, to achieve a well-engineered result.

Collaborates in reviews of work with others as appropriate.

Software configuration: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Designs, verifies, documents, amends and refactors complex software configurations for deployment.

Contributes to the selection of the software configuration methods, tools and techniques.

Applies agreed standards and tools, to achieve well-engineered outcomes.

Participates in reviews of own work and leads reviews of colleagues' work.

Software configuration: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Takes technical responsibility across all stages and iterations of configuration development and deployment.

Plans and drives software configuration activities. Adopts and adapts appropriate software configuration methods, tools and techniques.

Measures and monitors the application of standards for configuration design and deployment including software security.

Contributes to the development of organisational policies, standards and guidelines for software configuration design and deployment.

Software configuration: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Develops organisational policies, standards and guidelines for software configuration design, deployment and refactoring.

Plans and leads software configuration and deployment activities for strategic, large and complex deployment projects.

Develops new methods and organisational capabilities and drives adoption of and adherence to policies and standards.

Keywords
New level Guidance notes