Solution Architecture

The solutions architecture work begins with the needs of the various stakeholders of the system (such as users, owners, operators and regulatory authorities). The solutions architect analyses these needs at a system level, transforming them into rigorous specifications of the overall architecture of the solution and its components which are handed to the various projects/disciplines responsible for designing and implementing each component.

The solution architecture is the result of a process of optimisation - defining an optimal solution out of a multitude of candidate solutions. The process produces a precise description of the overall solution by defining the components of the solution (whether they are to be bought or built), what they must do and how they must interact using standard, technology independent representations and notations easily understood by all the parties involved in the development.

This solution will influence the project structure and organisation. It will also influence the implementation methodology and various competencies needed e.g. supporting tools and techniques to be used during the course of the project.

Essential elements of this approach include

• Eliciting, understanding and documenting the needs and requirements of the customer
  
  
• Assessing technology to ascertain constraints on candidate solutions
  
  
• Defining system operational and support concepts
  
  
• Defining measures of effectiveness in terms of the systems' mission and customer's needs
  
  
• Analysis of requirements and specifying systems behaviour and environmental context
  
  
• Specifying the components of the overall solution
  
  
• Validating the solution against its defined mission and objectives.