Three IT experts who helped craft the new Microsoft Certified Architect credential explain how the IT pro’s skill set has evolved from pure technologist into strategic business manager.

As the role of the highly trained and experienced technology professional has evolved in many businesses from one of pure technologist to that of strategic business manager, expectations of the skills an IT professional must possess have likewise changed substantially.

In response to the new demands being placed upon technology managers, Microsoft Learning created the Microsoft Certified Architect credential, a new track that helps IT professionals advance their skills beyond those of a technical expert to the level of IT architects, strategists and business managers. In a significant advance, the program certifies skills in technologies other than Microsoft’s, as well as the company’s own.

Microsoft Learning resources for IT professionals are among the focuses of this week’s Tech·Ed 2005 in Orlando, Fla., Microsoft’s largest annual conference for technology professionals.

Microsoft Learning worked with veteran IT architects throughout the industry to develop a program that reflects the daily realities of the highest level of IT work. Rather than present a prepackaged curriculum, the program requires candidates to demonstrate their skills by creating IT architectures that solve business problems. The centerpiece is a “peer-review” process, where candidates present their work to a panel of respected IT architects in a forum similar to that in which doctoral candidates defend their dissertations.

To learn more about the Microsoft Certified Architect credential, PressPass hosted a roundtable discussion with three of the board members who helped craft the architect certification. Joe Shirey, regional vice president and general manager, Rocky Mountain Region, for Interlink, is a Microsoft Regional Director, a member of the Microsoft Architect Advisory Board, and sits on the .NET Partner Advisory Council. Tony Redmond, vice president and chief technology officer for HP Services and HP Security, has written ten books, including “Microsoft Exchange 2003,” and is a contributing editor to Windows & .NET Magazine. Andy Ruth, Microsoft Certified Architect program manager, is author of several books, including “Concise Guide to Windows 2000 DNS” and “SQL Server 7 Administration.” Continue At Source

Original Link