Prague, 18 July 2023 – The Czech Republic is experiencing a significant shortfall in IT architects, with several hundred positions currently unfilled. These highly skilled professionals, responsible for designing and planning IT systems architecture, are critical to the success of large-scale IT projects. According to Ness Czech, a leading systems integrator, the shortage is causing delays and jeopardizing progress on some of the country’s most vital and expensive IT initiatives.
“IT architects play a key role in aligning IT infrastructure with an organization’s business strategy and requirements. Their expertise is essential for the success of any IT project, particularly those that are complex or high-cost,” said Martin Silvička, CEO of Ness Czech. The company manages IT projects worth hundreds of millions of crowns for both private and public sector clients.
Role and Expertise of IT Architects:
IT architects specialize in various domains, including software, data solutions, infrastructure, security, and cloud services. They oversee strategic IT decisions and provide a holistic view of an organization’s IT environment, planning long-term directions and setting technological standards. Collaboration with stakeholders across departments, including business leaders, developers, and engineers, is a core aspect of their role.
“Becoming an IT architect requires extensive experience—typically at least eight years in development and systems analysis. Proficiency with modeling tools, strong business acumen, and excellent communication skills are equally vital. While a technical university degree is beneficial, it is not mandatory,” explained Petra Andrlová, Talent Acquisition Lead at Ness Czech.
Demanding Role, Premium Compensation:
Given the demanding nature of their responsibilities, IT architects are among the best-compensated professionals in the IT sector. According to Grafton Recruitment, monthly salaries for IT architects in the Czech Republic range from CZK 100,000 to 180,000 gross, with software architects at the higher end of the spectrum, earning up to CZK 180,000.
Distinction Between IT Architects and Engineers:
While IT architects focus on the overall strategy and design of IT systems, IT engineers are responsible for implementing and managing these systems. Engineers work on tactical execution, solving technical challenges, and collaborating closely with developers and other technical staff. Their salaries are typically one-third lower than those of IT architects, depending on their experience, specialization, and location.
Relying on External Expertise:
The shortage of IT architects has led many organizations to rely on external suppliers, particularly system integrators, to access these highly skilled professionals. “Not every company can afford to employ IT architects full-time, and many lack the capacity or expertise to manage large-scale projects internally. System integrators provide access to experienced professionals and offer the opportunity to work on diverse and innovative projects using the latest technologies,” added Silvička.
About Ness Czech and Ness Digital Engineering
Ness Czech, a premier system integrator and part of the global Ness Digital Engineering group, is a leading IT service provider in the Czech Republic. Since 1993, the company has been at the forefront of innovative technology and software product implementation, serving major clients like O2 Czech Republic, Komerční Banka, and ČÚZK. Ness Digital Engineering operates offices in Prague, Brno, and Ostrava, employing over 260 professionals and generating annual revenues exceeding CZK 835 million.
Its parent company, Ness Digital Engineering, provides cutting-edge IT solutions globally, employing over 4,500 professionals across 11 innovation centers in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
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