Training course suggestions for all budding architects

[shahnawazshahin]

Hi,

Within my current employment I'm focusing on a career path to architecture. I notice that various architect roles are there, such as Enterprise Architect, Project Architect, Solutions Architect, Techincal Architect... the list goes on. I'm looking at a perspective from a Software Developer or a Systems/Lead/Technical Analyst role.

I guess much of this comes down to experience with technologies, being able to coordinate with technical resources, design, UML, to mention but a few. But around training courses, what courses are key for all budding architects?

Current suggestions I've got are TOGAF, OO analysis and design using UML, and perhaps being technically focused one of the Java/Microsoft certifications leading to architecture.

A concern worth mentioning is if one cannot justify going on a technically-oriented course (ie. Java/Microsoft/Spring related courses), then what other options are there?

Does SpringSource offer such courses for architects?

Can anyone suggest any ideas?


Shah.

[andrew_m]

Don't know about courses, but I recommend this podcast here for high level geek stuff:
http://www.se-radio.net

It will get you thinking like an architect.

[shahnawazshahin]

Hi,

Thanks for providing the link Andrew. Quite a nice collection of podcasts to see what the current trends are and make clear on a few things.

Looking at the course options it does look like TOGAF and Zachman are one direction. But I recall Sun providing SCEA (http://www.sun.com/training/certification/java/scea.xml), which I guess is another direction into Enterprise Architecture. Microsoft are also offering Solutions Architecture courses for .NET (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mc...net.mspx#EHEAC) .

A few years ago I didn't receive positive feedback on SCEA and hence didn't go for the certification. But looking around for a while I cannot see any alternatives.

Does/Will Spring offer something in terms of Architecture courses in the future? Is it worth going for the current offerings from The Open Group/Sun/Microsoft? Is it worth going for any courses at all?


Shah.