Question 1

What is the difference between solutions architecture and enterprise architecture?

Accepted Answer

Enterprise architecture provides a holistic, organization-wide framework that aligns business strategy with technology capabilities across all domains. Solutions architecture, on the other hand, focuses on designing specific technological solutions to address particular business problems or opportunities. While enterprise architecture establishes the overall technology vision, standards, and governance for the organization, solutions architecture applies those principles to develop detailed designs for individual systems or applications that fit within the broader enterprise context.

Question 2

How long does a typical solutions architecture engagement take?

Accepted Answer

The timeline for a solutions architecture engagement varies based on several factors including project scope, complexity, organizational readiness, and implementation approach. Initial architecture assessment and design phases typically take 4-8 weeks. Implementation timelines vary significantly from 3-6 months for moderate solutions to 12-24 months for complex enterprise-wide transformations. We develop tailored project plans with clear milestones and deliverables based on your specific requirements and constraints.

Question 3

How do you approach legacy system modernization?

Accepted Answer

Our legacy modernization approach begins with a thorough assessment of the current system's functionality, performance, technical debt, and business value. We then develop a modernization strategy using appropriate patterns such as rehosting (lift and shift), refactoring, rearchitecting, rebuilding, or replacing, based on business priorities and technical considerations. We emphasize incremental transformation with clear value milestones rather than high-risk 'big bang' approaches, and implement robust data migration strategies and comprehensive testing to ensure business continuity throughout the modernization process.

Question 4

How do you ensure architecture solutions align with business objectives?

Accepted Answer

We maintain business-technology alignment through several key practices: starting each engagement with in-depth discussions with business stakeholders to understand strategic objectives; mapping business capabilities to technology components; establishing clear traceability between business requirements and architecture decisions; defining business-focused success metrics for technology initiatives; incorporating business stakeholders in architecture reviews; and implementing governance processes that evaluate technology decisions against business impact. This approach ensures that every architecture recommendation directly supports specific business outcomes.

Question 5

What frameworks or methodologies do you use for architecture work?

Accepted Answer

We leverage established architecture frameworks and methodologies including TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework), the Zachman Framework, and elements of SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) for enterprises adopting agile at scale. However, we apply these frameworks pragmatically rather than rigidly, selecting and adapting components based on your organization's maturity, culture, and specific needs. Our approach emphasizes practical results over process complexity, focusing on delivering business value through appropriate architectural guidance.

Question 6

How do you balance innovation with risk management in architecture design?

Accepted Answer

We balance innovation and risk through a multi-faceted approach: conducting thorough risk assessments for innovative technologies; implementing architectural patterns that isolate experimental components from mission-critical systems; using proof-of-concepts and pilots before full-scale deployment; establishing innovation zones with appropriate governance guardrails; developing phased implementation plans that validate benefits at each stage; and creating contingency plans for key risk areas. This approach allows organizations to pursue innovation strategically while managing potential downsides in a controlled manner.

Solutions Architecture

Our Architecture Approach

Business-Driven Architecture

Future-Proof Design

Pragmatic Implementation