Crafting the right architecture to solve the problem at hand is only part of architects' responsibilities. They must also
- define, document, and communicate it
- make sure everyone is using it, and using it correctly
- make sure that it comes out in stages in a timely way so that the overall organization can make progress before it's complete
- make sure the software and system architectures are in synchronization
- act as the emissary of the architecture
- make sure management understands it (to the detail necessary)
- make sure the right modeling is being done, to know that qualities like performance are going to be met
- give input as needed to issues like tool and environment selection
- identify and interact with stakeholders to make sure their needs are being met
- make sure that the architecture is not only the right one for operations, but also for deployment and sustainment
- resolve disputes and make tradeoffs
- resolve technical problems
- maintain morale, both within the architecture group, and externally as well. The latter is done by providing a sound design, when needed, and providing good presentations and materials to let everyone know the organization is on the right track.
- understand and plan for evolutionary paths
- plan for new technology insertion
- manage risk identification and risk mitigation strategies associated with the architecture
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