What is Solution Architecture?

An Overview of Solution Architecture within an Enterprise

Solution Architecture is the activity involved in defining the design of a system in the context of a solution or project. Solution architecture is often concerned with the detailed technical designs of a system for the purpose of guiding the implementation of a solution, but it also needs to align with the broader enterprise context. This means solution architecture can span many domains and disciplines as there are often solutions that involve business process reengineering, changing to technical systems and infrastructure, as well as have security implications.

Solution architecture is one of the key processes by which an enterprise architecture is implemented and delivers value to an organization. Key outputs of a well documented solution architecture will include specific viewpoints of the areas of the designed solution with the stakeholders’ perspective in mind. For example, a solution architecture may include a target business process, a proposed infrastructure design and a roadmap for migrating to a new application – all part of a single solution.

Solution architecture outputs are often defined as work packages in implementing transition and target architectures defined in enterprise architecture, and, as such, contain more detail of these designs.

Learn more about how a collaborative approach to solution architecture could benefit you and your organization.