Pragmatic Software Architecture

In the previous post, I emphasised on how much a picture can communicate than words. In order to draw good Architecture diagrams using Visio, first we need the proper stencils. The following stencils would be handy for any Architecture diagrams using Visio. Office Stencils Microsoft Azure, Cloud and Enterprise Symbol / Icon Set Azure Reference Architectures Microsoft Integration Stencil Pack Exchange 2013 Stencil SOA Stencils (from Arcitura) ( Symbol Legend ) Cloud Computing Stencils (from Arcitura) ( Symbol Legend )

Communication Skill is a key skill for a Software Architect. An Architect need to communicate to different set of audiences starting from C-level Executives, Business Stakeholders, Subject Matter Experts to Software Developers. They have to communicate the solutions in different ways to different audiences. Normally this takes time and comes by practice and experience. The Architect must also be capable of communicating their points with clarity so it is easy to understand for the rest. There is no point in writing pages and pages of architecture documents instead how it can be communicated to the team is really the value added. "A picture is worth a thousand words". Therefore try and communicate your ideas in diagrams. These diagrams can be in Visio or even a white board drawing as long as it can convey the message.