A new group is forming in Wellington focused on the pretty broad and often ill-defined topic of Solution Architecture. Here’s the poster to put on the office wall and more details from the organiser Adrian Kearns. I’ll certainly be heading along – see you there.

WSAF Flyer - Meeting 1 - 2-Sept-2009

The aim of this group is to provide practical information and support for anyone who "does" solution or software architecture.

It doesn't matter if you're a full-time architect or not.  Maybe you're just "aspiring"?  Maybe your focus is more specific (say as a software, data, security or technical architect)?  Either way, we're here to help.

The WASF is technology and vendor agnostic - in fact our focus isn't strictly just technology; we'll also cover the so called "softer" skills, which are arguably harder - such as politics and people skills.

YOU can present!  We'll be featuring local (not sometimes not-so-local) people to share their knowledge and you can share too.  If you have something you want to share or some work you'd like peer-reviewed you present to the forum in a 5-10 minute slot and get valuable feedback from the community.

So spread the word!  Pass this on to anyone a friendly architect near you.

In order to make this worthwhile for the community we need community input: come to the first meeting so we can hear your views, or contact us.

Got a question for the speakers - send it to us.

Who are we? 

The WASF is led by Amir Shevat (Senior architect and consultant with Datacom) and Adrian Kearns (Solutions Architect with the NZTA).  As Amir is currently on holiday, please contact Adrian (adrian.kearns@nzta.govt.nz) with enquiries' or for more information.

First Meeting: 2nd September 2009, networking from 12 noon, 'formal' sessions from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm.

Venue: Microsoft NZ Boardroom, Level 12 Vodefone House, 157 Lambton Quay.

Food: BYO Lunch.

Admission: Yes! Free, no charge.

Agenda:

  • What the WASF is all about and how you can contribute.
  • Cloud Sourced: Representatives from Microsoft and Cloudbreak will be on hand to answer you Cloud questions. Hear how Microsoft Azure and the Google Apps Engine compare.
  • Agile and Architecture: Explore the intersection of architecture and agile with agile coach Sandy Mamoli.