A platform architect creates large-scale computer systems for storing, delivering, and optimizing a wide range of data, typically in an online format. The majority of platform architect responsibilities entail developing software applications that allow end users to quickly and efficiently access data. Ecommerce and interactive web content management are two industries that have a lot of platform architect jobs. Platform architects are typically in charge of writing and editing programs, troubleshooting functionality issues, and developing new technological solutions to existing business problems. They also collaborate with a group of computer engineers or web developers to complete projects such as developing, installing, deploying, and configuring various hardware and software components.
The average platform architect can assess a company’s need for technology that will improve its online visibility and, in turn, its overall profitability. Back-end tasks such as examining site traffic patterns, tracking rates of user purchases in the case of ecommerce sites, and planning improvements for content delivery to larger numbers of future customers are all common platform architect responsibilities. These tasks frequently entail project work, such as the creation of a new application or add-on using high-level programming languages like Java® or C++. For many platform architect jobs, previous experience troubleshooting and updating web server equipment is a plus.
The algorithms that index a variety of web content according to relevancy and quality are generally well-understood by platform architects. They usually collaborate with a team of web developers to create site components that are optimized for these algorithms. For implementing these types of technical elements with team members who have varying areas of expertise, a platform architect’s job often requires good spoken and written communication skills. Platform architects must usually write concise but thorough documentation of each project phase in addition to developing and testing new applications.
Platform architects create applications and interactivity solutions tailored to a specific operating system, web browser, or search engine. They frequently collaborate with business analysts to determine which technologies would best serve the widest possible range of customers. Because many browsers and operating systems are updated on a regular basis, platform architects are often in charge of identifying and fixing any existing bugs. They also use information about the typical user’s needs to develop new features for a new version before it is released.