I was recently invited to and attended the pre-launch of the Microsoft's Software Architect Council for the west indies. Basically, they (as well as other IT experts) think that the IT industry is lacking in Trinidad as compared to Jamaica, Barbados etc.
The purpose (as i gathered) of the Council is to offer support to developers and the entire chain of IT solution providers in terms of planning, implementing, development, training etc. etc.
They are therefore trying to build the community from scratch, and i would like to extend the invitation to anyone in TG who has the interest.
Mind you, this is not Microsoft Exclusive, and the Training and special interest groups can be of any product and nature, for example Oracle, IBM solutions, etc. (per request)
Now more than ever, we are at a standpoint to get the IT community united and working together in Trinidad. The community is therefore a resource for knowledge as we would have the know how from all of Microsoft's offerings, as well as the experienced veterans of the local industry.
Executive Summary
The term software Architect or its function is not widely known within our region. As such the role exists within the organizations but is hidden amongst many other functions. We will like to highlight its importance and benefits to our society and IT ecosystem in order to enhance their functions as software architects to their organizations. We can rapidly increase the value brought to our IT arenas and see expansion and a growth in innovation once this role is correctly addressed. MS-SAC will be providing a facility to allow Software Architects to grow across the region. MS-SAC will lift the potential and confidence for our institutions to provide a higher level of service for their organizations and comfort in the fact that there is a need and drive for this by the wider community. Let's together, bring the key learning from across the globe to our region through this community and help keep abreast with the rapid changing landscape of our IT infrastructure.
Who Should Attend?
Anyone who is interested in exploring the world of 'Software Architects' and influencing our local and regional ecosystem are invited, it is open to all interested!
if your organization or role is impacted by any of the following, you will have a lot to gain:
-Organizations run on limited resources (people/time and expenditure)
-The key architects of the infrastructures are struggling to achieve healthy operations within their institutions (fire fighting mode).
-Demand for financial accountability
-Gap between academic institutions and industry needs
-Lack of drive and passion for innovation and execution of this.
-No infrastructure in place for networking between architect professionals.
-Architects are frequently wearing many hats such as PM, SA, TM etc.
What Are the advantages of Joining this Community?
-Allow for the exchange of ideas and sharing of experiences.
-Ignite the drive for innovation using the best infrastructure.
-Demand for financial accountability.
-Allow for the networking of professionals to leverage of each other's strengths.
-Enable a faster deployment of projects and initiatives through an expanded resource (team collaboration).
-Allow voices to be heard across interest groups.
-Create throughout the community the foundation for professional mentoring and the student bodies.
-Create a healthy networking between the service providers, the enthusiasts and the professional communities.
Things are in the begining stages, so as i get more info, or as things develop further, i will update this thread. The council has not been formed as yet, and this is an opportunity to be part of this elite group (imo).
For More info, or if u want in, just PM me, and we could organise something.
