What does an information systems architect do?
Information Systems Architects are responsible for the development, deployment, and maintenance of an enterprise's systems. Their duties include designing system architecture, oversee end-to-end system integrations, recommend process improvements, and provide technical assistance to IT personnel. They are also involved in implementing performance testings, negotiating with vendors, administering contracts, and developing systems policies. Information Systems Architects also inspect change requests, assist in software engineering reviews, and conduct new technologies research.
Information systems architect responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real information systems architect resumes:
- Install and manage cloud technologies for student learning management systems (LMS).
- Manage the clean-up and migration of multiple fail SharePoint deployments into a single, fully functional current farm.
- Manage application development teams both domestic and international that focus on developing applications using corporate partner API's.
- Provide guidance for Tru64 Unix to HP-UX migrations.
- Define architecture and implementation plans for data warehousing, MDM and cloud solutions and tools.
- Create role-based security solution for privileged-access on UNIX systems using multiple single sign-on access infrastructures.
- Provide working prototypes and full UI implementations in various technologies to help clients strategically advance in competitive markets.
- Deploy a robust network performance monitoring system using the Zenoss open-source infrastructure management platform and Ubuntu Linux server software.
- Update systems integration and implementation documentation as designs, architectures, and plans evolve, including replication and virtualization of hosts.
- Research and write annual technology strategy plans for commercial accounts, align with their business strategy and consult on virtualization strategy.
- Deliver technical design documentation and architectural plans for platform modules, communication components and extend windows controls per client's specifications.
- Provide working prototypes and full UI implementations in various technologies to help clients strategically advance in competitive markets.
Information systems architect skills and personality traits
We calculated that 21% of Information Systems Architects are proficient in C++, SQL Server, and XML. They’re also known for soft skills such as Problem-solving skills, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Information Systems Architects that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- C++, 21%
Performed Data Modeling and co-designed data filtering middleware using Java, C++ on SUN Solaris, NT, and Oracle platforms.
- SQL Server, 12%
Introduce database driven menu enabling maintenance of menu items via SQL Server.
- XML, 10%
Designed a Security Gateway, which includes Identity Management, PKI and XML proxy functionality.
- Windows Server, 7%
Act as Systems Administrator for Virtual lab (VMWare), hosting Windows server 2003, 2008 R2, 2012.
- Cloud, 5%
Developed Cloud-based Applications and Infrastructure solutions, Cloud transition strategies for Federal customers.
- Project Management, 4%
Championed enterprise-level data and information architecture initiatives through project management, solution design, and tactical roll out.
"c++," "sql server," and "xml" are among the most common skills that information systems architects use at work. You can find even more information systems architect responsibilities below, including:
Problem-solving skills. The most essential soft skill for an information systems architect to carry out their responsibilities is problem-solving skills. This skill is important for the role because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." Additionally, an information systems architect resume shows how their duties depend on problem-solving skills: "retired 20 year old solution for atm monitoring (gasper vantage). "
Analytical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling information systems architect duties is analytical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." According to an information systems architect resume, here's how information systems architects can utilize analytical skills in their job responsibilities: "analyzed interoperability problems to obtain optimum operations and performance while ensuring adherence to air force information security policies. "
Communication skills. This is an important skill for information systems architects to perform their duties. For an example of how information systems architect responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an information systems architect: "configure network routers, firewalls and switches for lan/wan communication. ".
The three companies that hire the most information systems architects are:
- 3M Company49 information systems architects jobs
- Wells Fargo14 information systems architects jobs
- Sandia National Labs10 information systems architects jobs
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Compare different information systems architects
Information systems architect vs. Security engineer
Security engineers are responsible for developing and overseeing data and security software to help prevent data breaches, leaks, and taps related to cybercrime. Other duties and responsibilities include developing new systems to help protect computer networks and assets, configuring firewalls, and conducting penetration testing to pinpoint vulnerabilities. Additionally, security engineers are responsible for investigating attacks and help prevent cybersecurity threat. They are also responsible for creating new processes for authorization, encryption algorithms, and authentication, and analyzing current security policies.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an information systems architect are more likely to require skills like "c #," "c++," "sql server," and "xml." On the other hand, a job as a security engineer requires skills like "cloud security," "infrastructure," "application security," and "incident response." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Security engineers tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $126,572. In contrast, information systems architects make the biggest average salary, $131,480, in the hospitality industry.The education levels that security engineers earn slightly differ from information systems architects. In particular, security engineers are 5.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an information systems architect. Additionally, they're 1.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Information systems architect vs. Sap security consultant
An SAP security consultant is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of network and applications within the database management systems. SAP security consultants analyze the stability and efficiency of the user interface, authorize data access, and perform audits and quality checks. They also identify resolution for system issues and determine network solutions to increase optimization. An SAP security consultant must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in assisting end-users with the server navigations.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that information systems architect responsibilities requires skills like "c #," "c++," "tcp ip," and "sql server." But a sap security consultant might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "sap security," "bi," "crm," and "eam."
On average, sap security consultants earn a lower salary than information systems architects. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, sap security consultants earn the most pay in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $120,464. Whereas information systems architects have higher pay in the hospitality industry, with an average salary of $131,480.sap security consultants earn similar levels of education than information systems architects in general. They're 3.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for information systems architects in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Barry Stiefel Ph.D.
Associate Professor, College of Charleston
My suggestion is to try to be aware, as much as possible, of the latest and upcoming tech but focus on a specific set (or two) of hardware and software that most interests you. When I was younger, I tried staying on top of it all but quickly found that so much was coming out so fast that soon I spent all my time just trying to be on top of it all and unable to do much else. Technology has become so vast and diversified that to be good at something, you may not be able to do it all.
Professional and social networking can create professional communities where people who specialize in one set or two of technology or skills can share and exchange knowledge and expertise with colleagues and friends that complement each other. This is a strategy that I recommend.
Information systems architect vs. Securities analyst
Securities analysts, also known as financial analysts, are responsible for collecting and interpreting data on securities, economies, corporate strategies, and financial markets. They provide clients with recommendations on investments based on in-depth research. This role has various duties and responsibilities that include putting out a buy, sell or hold recommendation in the financial markets, assessing the value and financial stability of companies, and meeting with company representatives to better understand their business practices. Securities analysts are also responsible for devising financial models.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an information systems architect is likely to be skilled in "c #," "c++," "sql server," and "xml," while a typical securities analyst is skilled in "incident response," "nist," "windows," and "siem."
Securities analysts earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $95,246. Information systems architects earn the highest pay from the hospitality industry, with an average salary of $131,480.securities analysts typically earn lower educational levels compared to information systems architects. Specifically, they're 6.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Information systems architect vs. Systems engineer
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
Types of information systems architect
Updated January 8, 2025
