Data Architecture: What Is It?
Every time we use an electronic device, we create and use data. Data architecture is necessary for the effective use of this data. Data architecture establishes guidelines for how businesses store, gather, integrate, organize, and use data. It consists of policies, standards, models, and rules.
The purpose of data architecture is to give individuals access to pertinent information whenever they need it, as well as to educate and empower them to use that data to enhance the operations and financial success of the company.
Data Architecture: Why We Require It?
Data architecture is essential for a variety of reasons. Following is a list of some of them.
- It helps companies gain a better understanding of data.
- It supports the firm’s business intelligence activities.
- It provides a framework to manage data.
- It provides guidelines for managing data from when it is first collected until individuals use it.
- It aids in enhancing the privacy and security of the data.
Now that we have a basic idea of what data architecture is and why it is important so, let’s look at what factors contribute to data architecture’s effectiveness.
Effective Data Architecture
Effective data architecture enables a company to align its data with its business objectives. It establishes guidelines for gathering, integrating, and delivering data to individuals who need it. Additionally, it aids in making data useful for decision-making in companies. If data architecture possesses certain characteristics, it is modern and efficient.
The following list includes a few of those characteristics:
- Secure:- It’s crucial to ensure that data is only accessible to those requiring it. Effective data architectures recognize and address pre-existing risks and new threats. They also ensure compliance with legislations such as HIPAA and GDPR.
- Elastic:- If a data architecture is elastic, businesses may scale up or scale down in response, as per demand.
- Simple:- An effective data architecture has simple data assembly frameworks, data platforms, analytical platforms, and data movement.
- User-driven:- Nowadays, users can define their own requirements since data architects may access data to address business needs and create solutions.
- Driven by AI (Artificial Intelligence):- Artificial intelligence is the driving force behind smart data architectures, which use AI and machine learning to provide solutions for new conditions.
You now understand a data architect, but you’re unsure where to begin.
Who Is Data Architect, Exactly?
The brains behind data architecture are data architects. They convert the business needs of all units into data requirements. Data architects must be well-versed in databases, cloud computing, and the programs used to use the data to its full potential.
Furthermore, data architects research business requirements and create technology roadmaps to meet those requirements and needs. They create blueprints for data flow, gather data from diverse sources, and distribute it to those who require it.
Interesting, isn’t it? Let’s now look at how to become a data architect.
How Do You Become A Data Architect?
Although becoming a Data Architect is not easy, having the necessary qualifications and certifications will help you get off to the right start.
Let’s talk about how to become a Big Data Architect or a Data Architect and what you need to do in order to get started.
Certifications and Education
- Obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree:- Most companies require information technology, computer science, computer engineering, or an area closely connected to this in order to apply for a position as a data architect.
Most of these programs include courses related to Database Systems, Data Management, Data Management, etc., which are necessary to become a proficient data architect. These courses also teach problem-solving skills.
- Work Experience/Internship Experience:- Getting an internship or part-time work in the IT industry while completing your degree can make it simpler for you to land an entry-level position in the sector eventually.
You can start working and find a career in database management or programming once you’ve finished your degree. This will assist you with gaining the relevant experience required to work as a data architect.
- Training and Certifications:- There are no mandatory certifications or particular courses required to become a data architect, but some courses could help you gain more knowledge and improve your skills. In addition, these courses provide you with everything you require to study and help you make your learning easier.
Data Architects Need To Have Certain Skills
Data architects must possess a wide range of skills. The following is a list of the essential ones:
- Programming skills:- knowledge of various programming languages such as Python, C/C++, Perl, Java, etc.
- Business Skills:- These skills include strategic planning and business planning.
- Technical Skills:- These mainly include agile methodologies, machine learning, database management system, software management, etc. Additional skills include Application Server Software such as Natural Language Processing and Oracle.
- Database Design:- To become a data architect, you must have the ability to design a database. A database that is well designed will give you accurate and most recent information; that is why it is essential to build a successful business.
- Generic Skills:- Skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills are also most vital.
- Data Modeling:- The first stage in designing a database is data modeling. Data models are used to alter data in databases. The term “Data Model” refers to a collection of concepts grouped to define data semantics, data constraints, and data relationships.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills:- It is important to have analytical skills in order to solve business problems and create profit-building strategies.
Responsibilities For A Data Architect
The role of a data architect is to ensure data flow from users to the site and back from the site to the users. A data architect supports the organization’s goals and helps its workers to use data.
Their job is to design and analyze data while considering the time and cost requirements of the business. While creating databases, they must keep data security in mind.
Moreover, a data architect’s responsibility is to design a blueprint for the database management system. A data architect is responsible for assessing the firm’s data sources and creating a plan to integrate them, protect and maintain them, and make it simpler for workers to access the data when needed.
According to several Data Architect job descriptions published on Glassdoor.co.in and Indeed.com, the most common responsibilities for data architects are as follows:
- Evaluate pre-existing data management methods.
- Create data strategies in collaboration with IT teams to meet industry requirements.
- Construct, design, deploy and document large relational databases.
- Look for new opportunities to collect data from different sources.
- Technical specifications are provided after translating company requirements.
- Collaborate with all various partners, departments, and stakeholders.
- Integrate functionalities such as reliability, security, and scalability.
- Create a vision for data flow in the organization.
- Ascertain that the information is correct, accessible, and available to those who require it.
- Data modeling for database structures should be done.
Now we know a basic understanding of Data Architecture, the education, and skills required, how to become a data architect, and what responsibilities they have, let’s look at career options for data architects.
Data Architect Jobs
Job searches for data architects on Naukri.com and Indeed.com revealed that jobs are available in various sectors, including technology, finance, consulting, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.
The majority of these positions have similar responsibilities and roles, including developing roadmaps for business intelligence (BI) transformation, optimizing and implementing designs of databases, and defining data strategies.
Furthermore, most employers have a Bachelor’s degree requirement in a relevant field, such as engineering, computer science, information technology, or a closely related profession; however, candidates with master’s degrees are typically preferred. Entry-level employment requires a minimum of 2-4 years of IT experience, and for higher-level jobs, many companies ask for 8–10 years of experience as a data architect.
Companies are looking for employees with excellent interpersonal skills who are highly talented and hardworking. Problem-solving and analytical skills are also crucial requirements for personnel to use the data to meet business goals.
What Is The Average Salary Of Data Architects?
According to Payscale.com, the average salary for a data architect job is $112,210 annually. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Stats, jobs for data architects and database administrators are expected to grow nearly 10% between 2019 to 2029, which is substantially faster than the common average for all occupations in the United States.
This anticipated rise is attributable to the growing need for effective database design and the fact that more and more businesses are discovering the true potential of data when used wisely.
In India, according to Glassdoor.com data, the average salary of Data Architects is ₹19,62,000, demonstrating how lucrative the profession is and how much in-demand Data Architects are nowadays.
Senior data architects can earn up to ₹250,00,000 annually. Tech behemoths such as Cognizant Technology Solutions, IBM, Accenture, Capgemini, Wipro, and TCS pay very high salaries for higher experienced Data Analysts.
Conclusion
Becoming a data architect is not an easy process, but it is rewarding. You can take many different paths to become a data architect, and the most important thing is to have a passion for data and technology. Nowadays, it is essential to be willing to learn new technologies and keep up with the latest trends. And most importantly, you should not be afraid to ask for help when needed; many resources are available online and offline to help you become a data architect.
ABOUT AUTHOR
Over 4 years’ experience in the research industry. Experience with research and consulting projects, catering to domains such as ICT, Health & Pharma, and packaging. Managed projects on both B2B as well as B2C perspectives, which includes consumer preference analysis, interviews with key executives, etc
