Basic definitions of various architecture roles

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“IT architecture has always been compared to an engineering discipline like civil architecture or building systems design. Its only in the last decade or so that IT architecture has introduced a level of formalism and structure From a recruitment consultant's view the following could help

Enterprise Architect : EA refers to the holistic approach and mindset required to address an enterprise in terms of where it is today and where it wants to go in the future, along with the principles, roadmaps and frameworks that help to traverse the path. Enterprise Architect is a seasoned professional who has seen all elements of the value chain including (Business, Functional, Informational and Technology Architectures) and has been involved right from Visioning / Planning to the implementation of such a roadmap for an enterprise / organisation

Solution Architect - An architect who has covered the above mentioned areas with regards to a particular set of tactical OR strategic goals that have been clubbed into a programme. Further a solution architect will ensure that the solution envisioned for a particular enterprise is in adherence to the Enterprise Architecture roadmap and future direction set by the Enteprise Architecture function

Technical Architect - An architect whose focus is key to delivery of the infrastructure / technology elements of a particular programme or set of programmes. A technical architect looks primarily at Non Functional requirements to ensure that solutions delivered will fit with the existing roadmap defined by the Enterprise Architect in terms of adherence to technology principles, guidelines and policies.

Practice Manager - This is a body who has had many years of experience in one / or / more of the above roles at major customers delivering highly complex and risk driven programmes and has finally landed into a role that looks at the following priorities 1. Generation of Intellectual Property (Driving new value propositions to the market) 2. Marketing of these propositions 3. Sales of these propositions 4. Resourcing who can support the delivery of these propositions to the market. A practice on architecture typically would contain a mixture of the above roles you mention. Do let me know if you require further detailed informaiton.”