What is a core responsibility of the system architect?

The core responsibility of a system architect is primarily focused on the technical aspects of designing and configuring an application to effectively resolve business problems. In this role, the system architect takes into account various technical requirements, integrates different system components, and ensures that the application is built in a way that meets both functional and non-functional requirements.

While identifying a business problem and planning the application are important steps in the overall process of application development, the system architect’s main function is to translate those requirements into a concrete solution by configuring the application. This involves making decisions about architecture, technology stacks, and designing the system to be scalable, maintainable, and aligned with business goals.

Directing project management activities, although critical for the overall success of a project, falls under the purview of project managers or those in management roles, not typically the system architect. Therefore, the focus of a system architect is on the technical configuration that leads to a functional application, making it the correct choice.