Systems architecture¶

A large whiteboard covered in boxes and arrows, with smaller sticky notes clustering around several of the connections. One person is pointing at a cluster of arrows; two others are standing back looking at the full board.

A systems architect designs and oversees complex IT systems, ensuring that hardware, software, and networks work together to meet organisational goals. The role is well described technically. It is less well described in terms of the conditions that determine whether the technical work produces the outcomes it was designed to produce.

The role and its foundations:

The conditions not in the job description
What a systems architect does
Architecture as model
Change and homeostasis
The human layers
Learning in architecture
Reliability, performance, and security trade-offs

Frameworks and fit:

The e-CF profile: fit and limits

Discuss your architecture challenges