Create and implement systems architecture models
Overview
This standard is about creating, maintaining and managing systems architecture models that define the operating model for organisational development of IT solutions.
Systems architecture is integral to the development of the overall system vision and the transformation of that vision into business IT solutions. It includes reviewing system requirements, determining which technologies to use in meeting those requirements and developing detailed diagrammatic representations of the systems to be development using logical and physical models. This includes a deep understanding of the data flows, processing and repositories used to store data in the system.
Systems architects work closely with software designers and developers to ensure the proper implementation of the system architectures developed. They are the link between the needs of the organisation and the solutions being developed. Together they work closely with key stakeholders from the business to ensure that business solutions are being met.
A logical systems architecture is created and used as the blueprint upon which the software design work of individual software components is based. The systems architecture is primarily concerned with the definition of internal data flows between the system's components or subsystems and the interface between the system and its external environment, especially the user.
This standard is for those who develop and implement solution architectures for software systems.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
identify client requirements and translate these into specifications for system architectures for the required technology platforms
correctly identify the relationships between information held within the host IT system and the processing required to deliver the required outcomes
lead the development of scalable system architectures for specific functional areas in line with organisational requirements
develop, evolve and implement accurate systems architecture models in line with organisational requirements
verify that system architecture solutions meet the needs of clients and development teams
use systems architecture models to influence operational decision making on IT systems development priorities
select appropriate tools and methods for systems architecture development
- document systems architecture models in line with organisational standards
critically analyse legislation, regulation and external standards relevant to systems architecture activities and ensure organisational compliance
communicate systems architecture outcomes to clients, developers and other stakeholders as required
- monitor and report on the progress of systems architecture assignments as required
- proactively identify emerging technologies and evaluate how they could benefit business systems architectures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the principles of systems architecture and associated best practice
- how to create, evolve and maintain systems architecture models
the processes, tools and techniques that can be used to create, develop and maintain systems architecture models
how systems architecture supports the stages of the software development lifecycle
- who needs to use systems architecture models and roadmaps
- how systems architecture models and roadmaps influence operational IT decision making
- the range of IT elements that should be included in systems architecture models
who the client is for a particular systems architecture assignment
how to review and incorporate client requirements into systems architecture solutions
- how to document systems architecture models
- how to communicate systems architecture solutions to clients and stakeholders and validate that it meets their needs
- how to identify the relationship between information held and processed by the organisation and current IT systems
- how to systematically analyse complex systems
- the relationship between processes, functions and organisational entities with IT systems
- the business rules that apply to systems architecture assignments
- the professional and ethical standards relating to systems architecture work within an organisation
- the legislation, regulations and standards relating to systems architecture activities
- the quality factors relating to systems architecture activities