Role of Data Architect

by Deepak Kamboj · March 11, 2010

A Data Architect is an increasingly important role.
It is a natural evolution from Data Analyst and Database Designer, and reflects the emergence
of Internet Web Sites which need to integrate data from different unrelated Data Sources.

These Sources can be either :-

external, such as Market Feeds,(e.g. Bloombergs), and News Agencies,(e.g. Reuters).

Internal, such as existing systems, such as HR for Employee details.

The Data Architect will work closely with the Users, systems designers and the developers on a Project team.

To get an idea of the skills the Data Architect should have, check out this Page with typical adverts from www.monster.com

Vision – The Data Architect needs to be able to have an end-to-end vision, and to see how a logical design will translate into one or more physical Databases, and how the Data will flow through the successive Stages involved. He (or she) will need to be able to address issues of Data Migration(Validation, Clean-up and Mapping), and will need to understand the importance of Data Dictionaries.

The appropriate Attitude should include :-

An Enquiring Mind

The ability to abstract general principles from specifics.

A strong desire to establish Standards of Best Practice.

Recognition of the value of Data Architecture Design Patterns

The required Skills include :-

Data Analysis

Data Migration Tools Knowledge

Data Modelling

Data Integration

Data Warehousing

Database Design

etc..

Personal Qualities should include :-

Communications and Presentation Skills

A Good team Player

Good relevant Books are hard to find :-

Maybe I should write one, in the meantime, I have put together a small list, although they are primarily about Enterprise Architecture.

Good relevant Organizations are also in short supply, so here are a few that might be worth joining.

Training is also in short supply. The best way to get an idea of the best training is to check some job adverts for Data Architects. Then plan your training accordingly, depending on how your strengths and weaknesses compare with the requirements.

Here’s a Page with typical adverts from www.monster.com

Salary.com provides the following Job Description for a Data Architect III (Senior Data Architect) :-

Designs Data Architectures.

Designs and builds relational databases.

Develops strategies for data acquisitions, archive recovery, and implementation of a database.

Cleans and maintains the database by removing and deleting old data.

Usually requires a degree in an appropriate area and at least 5 years of experience in a related area.

Be able to design and develop Databases, Data Warehouses and Multidimensional Databases.

Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

May lead and direct the work of others.

Typically reports to a project leader or manager.

A wide degree of creativity and lateral thinking is expected.