Architecture has been used to describe the process of designing landscapes and structures. However, now this word is used for more than just the traditional form of architectural design and development. This term is also used in the information technology industry and the designation offered is that of an application or applications architect; responsibilities of whom are to manage the product development life cycle.
Organizations today require custom applications to suit their business and operations requirement. It is thus very common for the service providers to develop and deliver custom applications to the clients. Here, the applications architect has to apply his expertise and manage the overall process of application development, testing, deployment and management.
The applications architect understands the vision and requirements of the client's business model. He has to deliver a presentation to the members involved in the project to let them know the requirements. He develops a project layout with the associates with detailed specifications, functions and instructions to use the application.
Enterprise applications are required to be robust, error free and user friendly. The applications architect has to keep these factors in mind while executing a project. He maintains an ideal work flow so as to avoid any delay in the project that may affect the clients business and the organizations goodwill as well. The final responsibility and authority regarding the application development process lies with the applications architect.
More information about the applications architect responsibilities has been provided below.
Defining Objectives, Specifications and Timeline
An applications architect is primary responsible for identifying the project requirements by interacting with the clients. He has to understand the expectations of the clients from the application and accordingly devise the project layout.
The applications architect defines the application specifications in a way that it fulfills the client's requirements. Once they are finalized, the applications architect asks the client for approving the time required to complete the project.
Selecting Application Framework
Selection of the application development framework is a critical decision for every project. The applications architect takes this decision depending on the compatibility of the framework with the systems installed at the client's office.
Assigning Tasks
The applications architect allots tasks to the team members. In cases when a team member is not available, the applications architect is required to divide his tasks among other members of the team. This helps to avoid any delay.
Periodical and Final Tests
Every applications development project goes through a lot of phases. The applications architect has to review the results of each phase and test the application and components developed so far.
After all the components are finalized and the application is ready, the applications architect performs a final test to check if all the features are working fine. Any technical issues found then are resolved before deploying the application.
Installation and Training
The applications architect supervises the installation of application at client's office and may either conduct the training or assign this task to a team member. He prepares reports for the installation and training process and also ensures that the users do not face any problems while running the application.
Research and Development
The applications architect participates in the research and development projects. He devises and recommends updates for the applications developed by the organization and also for integration of applications with third party components/plug-ins.
An applications architect should be:
To become an applications architect, one should opt for a degree course in computer science, preferably with exposure to software engineering and development. After completion of studies, an individual has to work for a long time and participate in various projects as it will help him to learn product development life cycle for applications.
Salary range for this job is $84,000 to $1, 25,000. The salary for an applications architect depends on the work nature of the organization and the competency of the candidate as well. It also varies with the location of the job.
The information about applications architect responsibilities has been provided so that it becomes easy for you to understand this job and its characteristics.