As an IT solution architect, the impact of AI, both generative and traditional, on my role is expected to be profound and multifaceted over the next few years. Here a list of the ways I think AI is likely to influence responsibilities and the broader IT architecture landscape:

1. Enhanced Decision-Making with Predictive Analytics

AI can significantly augment decision-making processes by providing advanced predictive analytics and data insights. This gives us the ability to leverage AI to try to predict future trends in technology and broader business functions. This foresight could be invaluable in planning and implementing technology systems that are future-proof and scalable.

2. Automated System Design and Optimisation

AI technologies can automate many aspects of system design, including network configuration, infrastructure setup, and even software deployment. Depending on the hands-on nature of the organisation, this could shift the architecture role from being heavily involved in the manual setup of systems to overseeing AI-driven automation processes, ensuring they align with organisational goals and standards.

3. Security and Compliance

With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, AI can play a critical role in security and compliance. AI-driven security solutions can predict, detect, and respond to threats faster than traditional methods. If you’re involved in the IT-Sec space, you may see your role evolve to include the management of these AI security systems, ensuring they are integrated seamlessly with the existing tech stack/SIEM systems etc.

4. Customised Solutions

Generative AI can design customised solutions based on specific corporate needs and adapt over time as those needs change. Your role might increasingly involve specifying parameters and goals for AI systems that then generate and iterate on technology solutions autonomously. Build a solution with components A,B and C today, watch it change over time and replace C with X and Y as growth takes hold, or alternatively scales back/.

5. Governance and Ethical Oversight

As AI systems become more integral to organisational operations, chances are the architecture role will likely expand to include governance and ethical oversight of AI use. This includes ensuring AI systems are transparent, explainable, and aligned with ethical standards, especially in sensitive areas like data privacy and bias mitigation.

6. Continuous Learning and Adaptation

The rapid evolution of AI technologies means that continuous learning will become a crucial aspect of the IT architecture role. Keeping up to date with the latest AI advancements (the potential run-away train), understanding their implications for IT architecture, and adapting strategies accordingly will be essential for maintaining job competitiveness and innovation.

7. Collaboration and Communication

AI will necessitate closer collaboration between IT, business units, and external stakeholders. You’ll need to communicate complex AI concepts in understandable terms, facilitating alignment between technology capabilities and business objectives. There’s a gap forming between those architects who’ve been focusing on the tools pf the trade from circa 2010s onwards and those who’ve been able to invest the time and effort to at least keep up with AI topics and agendas.

8. AI in Development and Operations (AIOps)

The integration of AI into IT operations (AIOps) is set to increase efficiency in monitoring, management, and deployment of IT resources. This could transform how IT infrastructure is managed, moving towards more proactive and predictive management models. We’ve essentially become plumbers of the tech, not builders.

9. Innovation and Competitive Advantage

Will our business partners be able to look to technology partners for guidance on driving innovation and competitive advantage through AI? Will they defer to the age-old approach of using their own budgets to buy in commoditised SaaS offerings before asking us to integrate their toys back into the org? Architect’s task of identifying opportunities for leveraging AI to create new products, services, or business models could become a key part of our responsibilities so we can bring innovation to the business and not the other way around.

The impact of AI on the role of IT architects is expected to be transformative, requiring a blend of technical acumen, strategic foresight, ethical consideration, and continuous learning. Embracing these changes will not only enhance our ability to contribute to business needs but also position us as key players in shaping its future technology landscape.