News
Architect Program Taking Shape
Ten years of verifiable experience is one of many challenges to face candidates who plan to tackle Microsoft's architecting certification.
Earlier this week, Microsoft Corporation provided a look into the work it has achieved so far in developing its board-level certification program. Al Valvano, Lead Product Manager with Microsoft Learning, announced the Microsoft Certified Architecture Program amid fanfare during MCPmag.com's TechMentor Conference in April. (To read more, see "Microsoft Previews Board-Level Certification at TechMentor," at
http://mcpmag.com/news/article.asp?EditorialsID=789.)
A few details from the Web site worth noting:
- The Learning Group is currently conducting interviews for choosing review board members; those members, according to the site, will consist of "recognized industry architects."
- The program is in beta testing phase; program developers will pursue initial MCAP candidates for this phase through referrals.
- Microsoft recommends that, when the program is live, candidates who plan to tackle the program should be able to show 10 years of verifiable architecting experience.
- For now, the program runs along two disciplines: infrastructure architects and solutions architects. What's noteworthy is that for now, the role of enterprise-level architects is not included in the development of the MCAP.
According to documents posted on its Web site, the program is expected to be fully operational by early 2006.
MCPmag.com will follow up on this story soon after Microsoft TechEd in Orlando next week, where Microsoft Learning Group managers will be offering more detailed background information to attendees at the conference.
For general MCAP information, which includes links to architecture blogs, click here. For detailed information on the board-level certification process, click here.
About the Author
Michael Domingo has held several positions at 1105 Media, and is currently the editor in chief of Visual Studio Magazine.