Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - What is the path to becoming a cloud solutions architect? (ARC211)

Summary

• Speakers: Nomen Vatsahan (Manager of Solutions Architecture at AWS) and John Walker (Principal Solutions Architect at AWS).
• Key Points:
  • Solutions architecture is about designing and guiding technical architectures to solve business problems.
  • Architectures are living systems that evolve and are intended for those who use them.
  • Solutions architects are like head chefs, creating the initial concept and guiding the team to deliver the final product.
  • They need to communicate effectively with both technical teams and business leaders, translating technical challenges into business risks and capabilities.
  • Solutions architects can be embedded in teams or work as a pooled resource, depending on the organizational structure.
  • The role involves setting technical direction, learning new technologies, creating designs, and measuring success through KPIs.
  • Four archetypes of solutions architects were discussed: Inventor SA, Entrepreneur SA, Composer SA, and Advocate SA.
  • Skills for solutions architects include technical skills (learn, build, teach), business skills (understanding of business operations and finance), and soft skills (curiosity, courage, conviction, communication, compassion).
  • AWS offers resources like AWS Skills Builder, AWS Solutions Library, AWS Well-Architected Tool, AWS Repost, and AWS Heroes program to help aspiring solutions architects.

Insights

• Architectural Evolution: The talk emphasizes that architectures are not static; they evolve over time and must adapt to changing business needs and technological advancements.
• Communication as a Core Skill: The solutions architect's role as a "communication glue" highlights the importance of being able to translate between business needs and technical implementation, tailoring messages to different audiences.
• Organizational Structure Impact: The discussion on where solutions architects sit within an organization underscores the impact of structure on their effectiveness, particularly in terms of scaling and avoiding the "ivory tower architect" syndrome.
• Learning and Teaching: The emphasis on continuous learning and sharing knowledge reflects the rapidly changing nature of cloud technology and the need for solutions architects to stay current and disseminate best practices.
• Diverse Backgrounds: The four archetypes of solutions architects suggest that there is no single path to the role; rather, individuals from various backgrounds can become successful solutions architects by leveraging their unique experiences and skills.
• AWS Resources: The mention of AWS-specific resources like the AWS Solutions Library and the AWS Well-Architected Tool indicates that AWS provides a robust ecosystem for solutions architects to learn from existing solutions and apply best practices to their work.
• Certification Importance: The encouragement to pursue AWS certifications highlights their value in validating skills and knowledge in the field of cloud architecture.