The latest ICS network was launched recently.
People | 25 Nov 2005 :
New IT architecture network considers certifications
The IT Architecture Network will cater for
the special interests of those professionals who are involved in this emerging
profession. Regular meetings, talks and
networking opportunities are planned.
The inaugural event focused on two prominent IT Architecture
certifications, the Microsoft Certified Architect Programme and The Open Group
IT Architect Certification Programme.
Representatives from both organisations gave presentations at the event.
Bill O’Brien is
Microsoft’s evangelist for their Certified Architect Programme. The Microsoft programme is peer-run by Microsoft
certified architects, who assess candidates to confirm that they can
successfully build products using Microsoft software. When assessing a candidate only 25% of the
focus is on technological ability, other qualities such as leadership,
communication and strategic abilities are also considered. Each candidate has a mentor to guide him
through the process. A review board assesses the application at an
international location, the candidate must attend at his own expense.
The Microsoft programme
has already certified a pilot group of 50 IT Architects and aims to certify a
total of 3,000 professionals internationally in the next six years. To apply, IT Architects must have a minimum of
10 year’s experience in IT, three of which would be in IT Architecture on
projects with a value of greater than US$0.5m.
The programme will be launched in June 2006 and costs US$10,000 per
candidate. O’Brien highlighted the fact
that the programme is not generating profits for Microsoft as the cost covers
only the expenses of running the programme for the organisation. Certification is subject to a 3 to 5 year
review.
The Open Group
is an independent industry body for IT professionals. The organisation was
represented by James de Raeve who spoke about their IT Architect Certification
Programme. The requirements for candidates on the Open Group programme include
three years experience as a successful lead IT Architect, who has worked
through the full life cycle of a least one project of significant complexity,
using a recognised methodology.
Information, evidence and references must be submitted to demonstrate
how tools and methods were applied in the completion of a project. A document
template is provided to guide the candidate in completing his submission. The
candidate does not have a mentor however.
An initial review of the submission is followed by a board review and
interview. These board reviews are held in conjunction with international Open
Group conferences, this serves to limit the overall costs of running the
programme. The cost per candidate is $1250.
Certification is subject to a three year review. The organisation is currently in
negotiations with potential international partners, including the ICS, who will
provide access to the programme locally.
There is also an
indirect route to certification from The Open Group. Large organisations may apply to have their
internal structure and processes reviewed by the Open Group. If successful the organisation is certified
to accredit their employees. All those
certified, whether directly or indirectly, will be registered with the Open
Group. Levels 2 of The Open Group IT
Certification programme is already in development, which will consider higher
levels of skill and experience.
To learn more about the two certification programmes visit www.microsoft.com/architecture
and http://www.opengroup.org/itac/
For further information on the ICS IT
Architects Network contact Tom@ics.ie