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What does a storage architect do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Barry Stiefel Ph.D.

A storage architect builds central database systems to keep the most crucial business information for their company. Requirements for a storage architect hold vary depending on their employer. They typically design and install new data storage systems, liaise with IT experts, and identify storage needs. They may also monitor potential system issues and oversee system updates. This position requires a bachelor's degree in computer science.

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Storage architect responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real storage architect resumes:

  • Manage storage and Unix systems vendor relationships as it relate to projects, support and infrastructure procurement.
  • Manage and support all hardware upgrade and software changes around their IBM, Hitachi, Vmware ESX environment.
  • Leverage SharePoint to automate business processes and track historical data.
  • Design, create and configure NFS and SMB shares for Unix / Linux & windows environments.
  • Perform daily administration of Linux and windows servers to include patching.
  • Administer NAS and SAN connectivity from storage array to Unix and Linux server clusters.
  • Develop business continuity and disaster recovery (BC/DR) architectures base on storage virtualization, replication and virtual tape capabilities.
  • Configure and troubleshoot the PowerPath.
  • Create thin file systems for CIFS.
  • Migrate physical file servers to CIFS.
  • Provision LUNS to ESX servers through XtremIO.
  • Configure SQL transaction log backups with CommVault.
  • Execute FC zoning for development and production storage volumes.
  • Perform software installations and upgrades to AIX operating systems.
  • Work storage configurations for AIX LPAR and VIO servers.

Storage architect skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of Storage Architects are proficient in Architecture, Cloud, and Windows. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Storage Architects that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Architecture, 9%

    Demonstrated and applied expertise with storage architecture considerations, backup and recovery techniques, replication, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.

  • Cloud, 7%

    Introduced and implemented standard storage cloud solution, which reduced storage complexity and increase manageability of the private cloud environment.

  • Windows, 6%

    Designed and built the Windows Server 2008 (x64) SQL Clusters for the SQL migration to clustering technology.

  • Linux, 5%

    Created & implemented GRID Linux Gateway Appliance for Storage Filers.

  • Servers, 4%

    Migrated servers physically & logically.

  • Storage Infrastructure, 4%

    Developed backup and disaster recovery policies and procedures as it pertained to the primary storage infrastructure.

"architecture," "cloud," and "windows" are among the most common skills that storage architects use at work. You can find even more storage architect responsibilities below, including:

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a storage architect to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what storage architects do because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a storage architect resume shows how storage architects use analytical skills: "architected and deployed an advanced fibre network in a large data center with over 4000 points of connectivity. "

Communication skills. Many storage architect duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so a storage architect will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways storage architect responsibilities rely on communication skills: "created cifs shares and nfs exports fix communications issues between client and tsm server during restores. "

Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for storage architects to perform their duties. For an example of how storage architect responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a storage architect: "configure falconstor de-duplication solutions in various backup environments along with replication over wanand fibre systems. ".

Most common storage architect skills

The three companies that hire the most storage architects are:

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Compare different storage architects

Storage architect vs. Technical solutions architect

A technical solutions architect is responsible for designing and developing technology solutions to support business operations and increase the staff's proficiency and productivity in providing the highest quality services for the clients. Technical solutions architects determine the company's operational processes and procedures to identify areas of improvement and create comprehensive resolutions, such as improving current systems, upgrading infrastructure, and configuring interface features. They must have excellent technical and critical-thinking skills, as well as a strong command of system codes and programming languages for scripts and integration.

If we compare the average storage architect annual salary with that of a technical solutions architect, we find that technical solutions architects typically earn a $6,924 higher salary than storage architects make annually.Even though storage architects and technical solutions architects are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require cloud, windows, and linux in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a storage architect are more likely to require skills like "architecture," "servers," "storage infrastructure," and "disaster recovery." On the other hand, a job as a technical solutions architect requires skills like "infrastructure," "technical solutions," "project management," and "solution design." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Technical solutions architects tend to make the most money working in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $117,446. In contrast, storage architects make the biggest average salary, $130,416, in the finance industry.technical solutions architects tend to reach higher levels of education than storage architects. In fact, technical solutions architects are 11.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Storage architect vs. Information technology architect

An information technology architect is responsible for designing and creating new technology systems and optimizing the performance of existing ones. Information technology architects analyze the business needs and client requirements to identify system features and technology infrastructure according to budget limitations and timetables. They also consider the public demands and technology trends to ensure that the deliverables would reach the audience's interest to boost awareness and attract potential clients, generating more resources for revenues. An information technology architect should have excellent technical and project management skills, especially on implementing technology solutions and running diagnostic tests to measure systems compatibility.

On average, information technology architects earn a $13,994 higher salary than storage architects a year.A few skills overlap for storage architects and information technology architects. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "cloud," "linux," and "virtualization. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real storage architect resumes. While storage architect responsibilities can utilize skills like "architecture," "windows," "servers," and "storage infrastructure," information technology architects use skills like "project management," "api," "c++," and "c #."

Information technology architects may earn a higher salary than storage architects, but information technology architects earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $124,038. On the other hand, storage architects receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $130,416.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Information technology architects tend to reach higher levels of education than storage architects. In fact, they're 5.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for storage architects in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Barry Stiefel Ph.D.Dr. Barry Stiefel Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, College of Charleston

No one (except for maybe Steve Jobs) foresaw the Smartphone Revolution. Yet, by 2010 the world had changed. Five years from now (2025), there could be another new technology that we have not even imagined previously.

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.

Storage architect vs. Storage administrator

A storage administrator is typically in charge of managing and storing company data, ensuring its safety and accuracy. Their responsibilities typically revolve around devising strategies for data storage, developing and installing storage systems and back-ups, identifying errors and inconsistencies, troubleshooting, and performing regular maintenance checks to ensure the efficiency and security of storage systems. Furthermore, as a storage administrator, it is essential to produce progress reports and maintain records of all transactions, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

On average, storage administrators earn lower salaries than storage architects, with a $9,579 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on storage architects and storage administrators resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "linux," "virtualization," and "disaster recovery.rdquo;

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a storage architect is likely to be skilled in "architecture," "cloud," "windows," and "servers," while a typical storage administrator is skilled in "nas," "troubleshoot," "vnx," and "manage change."

Storage administrators make a very good living in the health care industry with an average annual salary of $105,117. On the other hand, storage architects are paid the highest salary in the finance industry, with average annual pay of $130,416.When it comes to education, storage administrators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to storage architects. In fact, they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Storage architect vs. Senior solutions architect

Senior Solutions Architects are responsible for creating programs or systems that would address the clients' needs. They are expected to be familiar with different tools and systems. This would help them create the best solutions for their clients. Senior Solutions Architects are technologically-savvy. They are expected to be updated with the current trends and innovations in technology. They should also be familiar with these innovations in case these innovations are needed in the company. Senior Solutions Architects are expected to have experience in solving different technical and technological challenges. They should have a solutions-driven mindset.

Senior solutions architects tend to earn a higher pay than storage architects by an average of $23,279 per year.While both storage architects and senior solutions architects complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like cloud, windows, and linux, the two careers vary in some skills.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A storage architect uses "architecture," "servers," "storage infrastructure," and "isilon." Senior solutions architects are more likely to have duties that require skills in "aws," "infrastructure," "amazon web services," and "digital transformation. "senior solutions architects enjoy the best pay in the start-up industry, with an average salary of $139,751. For comparison, storage architects earn the highest salary in the finance industry.The average resume of senior solutions architects showed that they earn higher levels of education compared to storage architects. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 11.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.6%.

Types of storage architect

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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