Ken Sipe

Becoming an Architect: Nurturing Essential Skills for Success

Tuesday, 8:30 AM EST

Embarking on the journey to become an architect requires more than technical expertise; it demands a diverse skill set that combines creativity, leadership, communication, and adaptability. You may be awesome as a developer or engineer, but the skills needed to be an architect are often different and require more than technical awareness to succeed.

This presentation delves into the crucial skills aspiring architects need to cultivate. From mastering design principles and embracing cutting-edge technologies to honing collaboration and project management abilities, attendees will gain valuable insights into the multifaceted world of architectural skills. Join us as we explore practical strategies, real-world examples, and actionable tips that pave the way for aspiring architects to thrive in a dynamic and competitive industry.

Standing up Enterprise Architecture

Tuesday, 10:30 AM EST

The organization has grown and one line of business has become 2 and then 10. Each line of business is driving technology choices based on their own needs. Who and how do you manage alignment of technology across the entire Enterprise… Enter Enterprise Architecture! We need to stand up a new part of the organization.

This session will define the role of architects and architectures. We will walk through a framework of starting an Enterprise Architecture practice. Discussions will include:

• Differences of EA teams from one organization to another
• Different architectural roles
• Challenges that face EA
• How to start or refine an EA practice

Mastering Solutions: Unraveling the Role of Solution Architects

Tuesday, 1:00 PM EST

In the ever-changing landscape of technology, Solution Architects stand as the linchpin between complex business challenges and innovative technological solutions. This presentation dives deep into the world of Solution Architects, exploring their pivotal role in crafting tailored, efficient, and scalable solutions. From deciphering intricate business requirements to orchestrating seamless integrations, Solution Architects navigate a maze of technologies to deliver outcomes that align perfectly with organizational goals. Join us as we unravel the key responsibilities, skills, and methodologies that empower Solution Architects to transform abstract ideas into tangible, impactful solutions, shaping the future of businesses in a digital age.

In this session we will walk thru the following:

• Understanding the role of the Solution Architect (SA)
• Key Responsibilities
• Skills and Competencies of an SA
• Common and Future Innovations to consider

Whether you are an existing Solution Architect looking to hone or validate your skills or you are looking to get into the role of Solution Architect, this session is for you!

Architectural Principles: Building the Foundations of Design Excellence

Tuesday, 3:00 PM EST

In the realm of architecture, principles form the bedrock upon which innovative and enduring designs are crafted. This presentation delves into the core architectural principles that guide the creation of structures both functional and aesthetic. Exploring concepts such as balance, proportion, harmony, and sustainability, attendees will gain profound insights into the art and science of architectural design. Through real-world examples and practical applications, this session illuminates the transformative power of adhering to these principles, shaping not only buildings but entire environments. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind architectural mastery and the principles that define architectural brilliance.

Good architectural principles are fundamental guidelines or rules that inform the design and development of software systems, ensuring they are scalable, maintainable, and adaptable. Here are some key architectural principles that are generally considered valuable in software development:

• Modularity
• Simplicity
• Scalability
• Flexibility
• Reusability
• Maintainability
• Performance
• Security
• Testability
• Consistency
• Interoperability
• Evolutionary Design

Adhering to these architectural principles can lead to the development of robust, maintainable, and adaptable software systems that meet the needs of users and stakeholders effectively.

Navigating the Cloud as a Cloud Architect

Tuesday, 5:00 PM EST

In the age of digital transformation, Cloud Architects emerge as architects of the virtual realm, bridging innovation with infrastructure. This presentation offers a comprehensive exploration of the Cloud Architect's pivotal role.

Delving into cloud computing models, architecture design, and best practices, attendees will gain insights into harnessing the power of cloud technologies. From optimizing scalability and ensuring security to enhancing efficiency and reducing costs, this session unravels the strategic decisions and technical expertise that define a Cloud Architect's journey. Join us as we decode the nuances of cloud architecture, illustrating its transformative impact on businesses in the modern era.

Architectural Awareness: Engineering Super-skill

Thursday, 9:00 AM EST

Awareness is the knowledge or perception of a situation or fact, which based on myriad of factors is an elusive attribute. Likely the most significant unasked for skill… perhaps because it's challenging to “measure” or verify. It is challenging to be aware of aware, or is evidence of it's adherence. This session will cover different levels of architectural awareness. How to surface awareness and how you might respond to different technical situations once you are aware.

Within this session we look holistically an engineering, architecture and the software development process. Discussing:

* Awareness of when process needs to change (original purpose of Agile)
* Awareness of architectural complexity
* Awareness of a shift in architectural needs 
* Awareness of application portfolio and application categorization 
* Awareness of metrics surfacing system challenges
* Awareness of system scale (and what scale means for your application)
* Awareness when architectural rules are changing
* Awareness of motivation for feature requests
* Awareness of solving the right problem

The focus of the session will be mindful (defined as focusing on one's awareness), commentating in sharing strategies for heightening awareness as an architect and engineer.

The World of Architects

Thursday, 11:00 AM EST

In today's rapidly evolving technological world, architects play pivotal roles in shaping the success of organizations. This presentation explores the diverse spectrum of architects, ranging from Enterprise Architects and Solution Architects to UX Architects and Security Architects. Delving into their unique responsibilities and expertise, this session sheds light on how these professionals align business objectives with technology, design innovative solutions, and ensure seamless integration. By understanding the multifaceted roles of architects, attendees will gain valuable insights into how these experts drive efficiency, foster innovation, and architect the future of modern enterprises.

This session will outline the importance of Architectural Roles by diving into different roles and responsibilities including the value that each role brings to larger enterprises. The roles that will be covered include:

• Enterprise Architects
• Solution Architects
• Application Architects
• Data Architects
• Infrastructure Architects
• Security Architects
• UX Architects
• Cloud Architects
• Other Domain Architects

In addition, We will take time to discuss common challenges faced by Architects.