Technical architecture is a form of IT architecture that focuses on designing and documenting software applications. It involves creating a blueprint schematic that shows how the software components interact and depend on each other, as well as how they meet the system requirements. Technical architecture helps developers build software solutions that are aligned with the business strategy and goals, and that can be easily integrated and maintained.
Technical architecture is different from enterprise architecture, which is a broader discipline that covers the overall structure and governance of the IT landscape. Enterprise architecture defines the vision, principles, standards, and policies that guide the IT decisions and investments of an organization. Technical architecture, on the other hand, is more concerned with the details and specifications of individual software applications and how they fit into the enterprise architecture.
The role of a technical architect is to design, document, and communicate the technical architecture of a software solution. A technical architect works closely with the business stakeholders, the developers, and the testers to ensure that the software meets the functional and non-functional requirements, such as performance, security, scalability, reliability, and usability. A technical architect also oversees the development process and provides guidance and feedback to the developers.
There are various types of diagrams that a technical architect can use to illustrate the technical architecture of a software solution. Some of the most common ones are:
– Application architecture diagram: This diagram shows the logical structure and components of the software application, such as the modules, layers, interfaces, and dependencies. It also shows the technologies and frameworks used to implement the components.
– Integration architecture diagram: This diagram shows how the software application interacts with other systems and services, such as databases, APIs, web services, and messaging systems. It also shows the protocols, formats, and standards used for data exchange and communication.
– Deployment architecture diagram: This diagram shows how the software application is deployed and distributed across different physical or virtual machines, servers, networks, and environments. It also shows the configuration and management of the infrastructure and resources.
– DevOps architecture diagram: This diagram shows how the software application is developed, tested, delivered, and monitored using various tools and practices, such as version control, continuous integration, continuous delivery, automated testing, and logging. It also shows the roles and responsibilities of the development and operations teams.
– Data architecture diagram: This diagram shows how the data is structured, stored, accessed, and manipulated by the software application. It also shows the data sources, models, schemas, relationships, and flows.
Technical architecture is an essential part of software development, as it provides a clear and consistent plan for building and maintaining software solutions that meet the business needs and expectations. Technical architecture also helps to ensure the quality, efficiency, and security of the software, as well as its compatibility and interoperability with other systems and services. By using technical architecture diagrams, technical architects can effectively communicate and document the technical