Solution Architects are the special forces of Profession Services

This one is for all the Solution Architect (or whatever the equivalent role) at SaaS companies and was triggered by a SaaS vendor asking me what I thought of their Solution Architect / professional services team.

Note this is a reflection on SaaS SAs. I'm not speaking on behalf of service provider SAs like ourselves here.

As far as I'm concerned Solution Architects in SaaS (or whatever the equivalent role name) - are the "special forces" within SaaS organisations.

• They have a deep understanding of the product, its capacities and limitations. They understand all the tools, why they are used and what their limitations are.
• Unfortunately in most cases they're brought in to turn a bad situation around (this includes a bad sale in many cases).
• Adapt and overcome is what they do when the product hits a limit when executing a client case.
• They consistently get undervalued, are never put in the limelight and rarely get any credit.
• They usually operate like one man armies dealing with different client teams. As a result they need project management, people and technical skills. Most of them are well rounded profiles.
• When they're not working on a client they train. I know SAs who have a backlog of tests they "would like to run" to identify weak spots in the product to anticipate any upcoming scenario.

This is a call for SaaS companies to value their SAs. They are dealing with clients every day and know how the product is being used and misused. If you're in product make sure to have a direct line with them. Unfortunately it's rarely the case that SAs can directly feedback into product. This should change.

SAs are the SaaS heroes that don't wear capes and save the day. They deserve more credit.

I've been lucky enough to work with some stellar teams and have learned a ton from them.