The Top 10 Dark Secrets of IT Architects (DRAFT)

BY MARKUS SPRUNCK

Maybe you are already an experienced IT architect, on the way to become an IT architect or just a wannabe. In all cases this article should be helpful and give some new insights.

Dysfunctional Misconceptions

There are a lots of myths and misconceptions about the work of IT architects. One reasons for this situation is that almost no architect talks about the truth. At least with outsiders. Some of these secrets are a like a venereal diseases - they exist but nobody talks about it.

The sad truth is, that the architect doesn't make the architecture. In the best case the they prevent the worst mistakes.

Common Decision Factors

So, if the IT architects don't decide, what are the influencing factors for the final outcome.

Limited Know-how of the team

We should always select the best technical solution for a given requirement, but unfortunately in real world enterprises the technical skills and development environments are a serious limiting factor.

Unfortunately, people can't learn new technologies as fast as it should be possible. Additionally, the management has in most of the cases outdated know-how and opinions. Don't forget in the best case they have been developers, but many years ago.

Boundaries within the organisation

Software system boundaries reflect often the organisational structure of a company. For example the separation of front office and back office leads to spitted sub-systems in applications.

Quite often the baby of a team oder manager will stay alive for many years, because teams are not willing to lose controll and budget.

Missing Accountability

All stake holders of a software system are in some way accountalbe for what they do.

Who attended the meeting?

Bad gut felling

Corporate history

Budget restriction

Legacy Application Landscape

Strategic Restrictions

Corporate Specific KPIs

IT-Architecture Manifesto

Always strive for the best solution

Don't be discouraged, if it ends up with a suboptimal compromise, but try your best

Walk the talk

You must be able to design and code what you propose

Live Transparency

Facilitate communication and make decisions transparent documented

Share Knowledge

Share know-how and teach if needed

Influence without Politics

Manage politics, but don't be an active player in the dirty game