Server Architect Career Guide
How to Become a Server Architect
If you’re in the market for a fast-paced technology job, server architect careers deserve your attention. Currently a position in high demand, server architects are responsible for implementing responsive server network layouts that allow clients to use their technology for a variety of performance needs.
Responsible for a majority of data communications across different servers, these individuals leverage a working knowledge of all computer systems an employer or client currently uses, to make sure that servers communicate appropriately with each other and maintain all security standards.
What Is a Server Architect?
Most often, a server architect is an individual who works within the context of a client’s computer network. They are responsible for the design of all servers, and also provide insight on how these servers should best work together to achieve a client’s goals.
Unlike server analysts—who maintain responsibility for analysis of server performance after servers have been created and activated—server architects complete the first stage in the server integration process: ideating design and building servers and networks compatible with a client’s vision.
What Does a Server Architect Do?
Since server architects are responsible for the creation and placement of servers within a network, their day-to-day responsibilities can vary greatly. Tasks can depend on how far along the server creation process is on any given day, as well as client needs.
Exact server architect responsibilities can include:
- Actively collaborate with server team members — including server technicians, server analysts, and server administrators — to create and troubleshoot server networks for clients.
- Decide on the appropriate hardware to use on a per-project basis.
- Construct data communications networks made with tethered servers.
- Implement high-level server design that promotes smooth network use.
- Troubleshoot early-stage issues associated with server performance.
- Creatively link servers together to fulfill a wide variety of potential client requests.
- Communicate regularly with clients to implement feedback on network performance, as it relates specifically to server and network design.
These responsibilities and others define the majority of a server architect’s main on-the-job tasks, most of which concern the creation of servers and entire server networks—for testing by other team members and continued use by satisfied clients.
What Education Does a Server Architect Need?
Server architects fulfill specialized positions, and therefore require sufficient schooling. This means that individuals looking to become a server architect should complete a four-year degree from an accredited university. While some server architect positions won’t directly require a bachelor’s degree, earning one may be key in helping you stand out among competition, move up in your organization, and have the skills needed for promotions and raises. In a bachelor’s degree program focused on IT, you will learn about networks and security, programming and scripting, operating systems, and other critical IT functions that will help you do your job well.
What Certifications Does a Server Architect Need?
Certifications can strengthen an applicant’s candidacy for hire as a server architect. Even after assuming a position as a server architect, many individuals choose to continue pursuing additional licenses that keep their understanding of the changing server industry fresh. Some helpful certifications may include:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CIW User Interface Designer
- LPI Linux Essentials
- ITIL®1 Foundation Certification
Best Degree for a Server Architect:
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this...
Award-winning coursework and value-add...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 71% of graduates finish within 30 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,920 per 6-month term.
- Certifications: Includes CIW, ITIL, LPI and CompTIA.
The CIW User Interface Designer, LPI Linux Essentials and ITIL® Foundation Certification are central to this program. Included CompTIA certifications are A+, Network+, Security+, and Project+.
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What Skills Does a Server Architect Need?
Server architects who are proficient in their industry are regularly characterized by several high-value skills. These can include:
- Integrated Teamwork: the ability to work alongside server technicians, server administrators, and all other team members to launch and maintain server networks.
- Interpersonal Communication: the ability to communicate effectively, both internally and with clients.
- Server Integration: the ability to integrate necessary hardware and software components to ensure successful server creation and launch.
- Creative Troubleshooting: the ability to solve problems during early-stage server launch.
- Performance Audits: the ability to regularly test server performance, before server analysts assume responsibility for this analysis.
These skills and others form the basis of a server architect’s understanding of his or her role within a company. Each is essential for the overall workflow of a server architect’s duties, that define the creation and initial implementation of server networks for all clients.
Between client and internal communication and the constant creation of new server networks, server architects regularly employ a blend of technological and communicative skills for ongoing success.
How Much Does a Server Architect Make?
$132,140
The exact salary of a server architect will depend on several factors, including that individual’s total experience, years with their employer, performance to date, and location.
The salary of a server architect can average $132,040 in the United States, where the lowest 10% of server architect income is $103,448, and higher-earning server architects can earn as much as $157,380.
What is the Projected Job Growth?
5%
Given the currently favorable trajectory of the technology industry in general, it should come as no surprise that the outlook for a server architect is bright. The server architect career is expected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029. As brands continue to expand their digital portfolios, the need for fast-performing server networks is also naturally increasing.
Where Do Server Architects Work?
Varies
Server architects will work in a wide variety of locations, depending on the nature of their employer. Because they are responsible for much of the early-stage server development, many server architects regularly maintain communication with clients from a project’s onset. Every industry relies more on technology now more than ever, and server architects who work in an IT team to help create the best infrastructure for an organization’s technical needs are key.