The Cloud Architect plays a critical role in defining and maintaining platform requirements and implementing Microsoft\'s recommended Cloud Adoption Framework.

This role shapes the cloud strategy, ensures efficient cloud operations, and aligns technology solutions with business objectives.

The Cloud Architect designs and implements cloud solutions to support business growth and innovation while maintaining the reliability and security of cloud systems.

Specific technologies / components used within the services include:

Platform Services:

• Azure Application Gateway v2 with WAF
• Azure Cosmos DB
• Azure Database Migration Service
• Azure Databricks
• Azure DevOps
• Azure Event Hubs
• Azure Key Vault
• Azure Monitor - Application Insights
• Azure Monitor - Log Analytics Workspace
• Azure Networking
• Azure MySQL Database
• Azure MySQL Flexible Server and
  Azure Redis Cache
• Azure Storage Accounts
• Azure Virtual Machines
• Bicep

Security Services:

• SonarQube for Software Composition Analysis (SCA)
• Nexus IQ for Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
• Qualys for Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
• Microsoft Sentinel

Application Services:

• Drupal
• PHP
• React
• AngularJS
• Apache Camel

Third Party Services:

• Akamai CDN, WAF and Bot Protection
  PingAM (ForgeRock Access Management)
• PingDS (ForgeRock Directory Services)
• Magento (eCommerce suite)
• Salesforce (customer transaction management)
• Eloqua (marketing)
• Tealium / Omniture (Web analytics)
• TransUnion (credit check & address validation)
• Paragon (order fulfilment)
• Oracle CPQ (configurable pricing)
• Loqate (address/postcode services)
• Payment Service (payments)
• Woosmap (mapping services)
• Bing Search (search services)
• Dynatrace (synthetic monitoring)

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsibilities associated with the role as part of Adaptive Cloud Engineering & Ops
• Cloud Strategy: Maintain and align the DDS cloud strategy with business goals
• Framework Implementation: Implement Microsoft\'s Cloud Adoption Framework to optimize cloud usage, RBAC, Managed Identity
• Networking: Should have good understanding of VNet, SubNet, NSG, Firewall, CDN, Private Endpoint
• Scripting: Should have hands on Linux, Self-ADO Agent, PowerShell, Bash Scripting, YAML scripting, Ansible
• Collaboration: Work with Product teams to monitor and troubleshoot technical issues related to cloud services
• Strategy Development: Develop and implement strategies with the Platform Lead to minimize downtime and service disruptions
• Best Practices: Define and document platform requirements and best practices
• Cloud Solutions: Architect cloud solutions that meet technical and business requirements
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Ensure scalability, reliability, and security of cloud infrastructure and services, Failover DR
• Application Implementation: Deploy cloud-based applications and services, focusing on cost optimization and performance, Zero Down Time deployment
• Responsibilities associated with the role as part of CCoE:
  Leadership Collaboration: Work with senior leadership to define and refine the organization\'s cloud strategy
• Business Alignment: Align cloud initiatives with key business objectives
• Cloud Roadmap: Develop a clear roadmap for cloud adoption and migration
• Optimization: Implement strategies for rightsizing instances, using reserved instances, and leveraging auto-scaling
• Training: Provide training and resources to promote cloud awareness and best practices
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of updates and changes in cloud provider offerings
• Technology Evaluation: Recommend emerging cloud technologies and trends
• Assessment: Conduct regular assessments of existing cloud architecture and recommend improvements
• Stakeholder Collaboration and communication: Gather and prioritize cloud requirements with stakeholders
• Documentation: Create detailed cloud architecture diagrams and documentation
• Security Implementation: Implement security measures, identity and access management, and data encryption to ensure robust security
• Cost Optimization: Monitor resource usage and suggest cost-saving measures
• Service Provider Selection: Lead the evaluation and selection of cloud service providers and technologies.
• Automation: Collaborate with DevOps teams to automate cloud provisioning and deployment processes
• Data Management: Manage data storage, backup, and archiving solutions effectively
• Compute Resource Optimization: Configure and optimize compute resources for performance and cost efficiency
• Database Performance: Optimize database performance and scalability
• Monitoring and Logging: Develop and manage monitoring and logging solutions
• Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with DevOps teams to build and optimize processes for continuous improvement and delivery
• Governance and Compliance: Establish governance and compliance practices for cloud deployments