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Software Developer or Solution Architect

 
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i am already a software developer for years, if given opportunity should i go with solution architect as a career path.

i like to decide based upon pros cons in regards in terms of career, growth prospect and salary.

i am confused, please guide me.
 
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Can you write a paragraph about what you think a solution architect does? (I do know, but I want to see what you emphasize when you explain it.) Also, a solution architect role often involves more communication so this is good practice .
 
Amandeep Singh
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Thanks Jeanne. A solution architect is one who works more on generic solutions, common solutions, design of the applications and even works on preparing the platform for developers like tools, frameworks, servers, technologies they use.

 
Jeanne Boyarsky
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Good, you understand it .

Seriously thought, solutions architect is an interesting role. In some companies, it is limited to a certain department. In others, it is Enterprise Architecture. (working with different branches/parts of the company/etc.) One caveat is to make sure you don't become an "ivory tower architect." While a solutions architect might be involved with the design of individual applications, it is usually much higher design.

As far as your original question, as long as you find your role interesting, I think you'll do well. My only caveat is to make sure you won't miss the 'lower level" parts of development.
 
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Solution architect means different things in different companies. Make sure the company that is offering you the job agrees with you on the meaning

In some places, Solution Architect means "The person who designs and implements software solutions". Basically this is the architect role that most programmers are familiar with
In some places, Solution Architect means "The person who identifies which software solutions to acquire and works on making them work together". This is generally not a developer job. It;s more or less an IT admin job. You are putting together applications that other people have built, or purchased. The most coding you will do is writing shell scripts.

Generally speaking whenever you have offered a job that has "architect" in it's title, make sure you ask the person what exactly they mean. The title is used very ambiguously. I've seen it applied to everyone from a team lead to the CTO
 
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