A solution architect has functional and technical knowledge of Microsoft Power Platform, Dynamics 365 apps, related Microsoft cloud solutions and other third-party technologies, as well as ideally having knowledge of the specific business environment.

A key task of the solution architect is solution envisioning. Essentially, this task involves looking at the problem and identifying which parts can take advantage of one of the Dynamics 365 apps and which parts need to be built by using Microsoft Power Platform or Microsoft Azure. Unlike a traditional development-focused architect, who would start with custom development and low-level Microsoft Azure services, a business application-focused solution architect will instead start with Dynamics 365 and Power Platform and then use Microsoft Azure to address any gaps.

A solution architect applies knowledge and experience throughout an engagement and will also perform proactive and preventative work to increase the value of the customer's investment and promote organizational health. This role requires the ability to identify opportunities to solve business problems. The solution architect is often thought of as a trusted advisor who consults with organizations and implementation team members to refine business needs into a well-defined and cost-effective solution.    

Solution architects should be able to facilitate design decisions across development, configuration, integration, infrastructure, security, availability, storage, and change management. This role balances a project's business needs while meeting functional and non-functional requirements. In addition to their technical knowledge, solution architects need to have the ability to engage with business users and decision makers at all levels. 

The solution architect provides critical guidance and support from pre-sales through the remainder of the project lifecycle. The exact activities vary from project to project and organization to organization. Other common activities that solution architects perform are discussed in further detail later in this module.

A good solution architect is skilled at collaborating within their team, organization, and across organizations as needed.