The Software Architect's Profession: An Introduction (Software Architecture Series)

The software industry is rapidly recognizing that software built according to a plan has a much better chance of accomplishing its short- and long-term goals. The creators of these plans are software architects. They're in enormous demand, but few developers have the requisite skills. In this book, a former Chief Architect for IBM teaches the art and science of software architecture. Drawing on deep metaphors from traditional architecture, this book explains exactly what software architects do, how they behave, and how their profession is coming of age. KEY TOPICS: This book defines the role of the software architect, demonstrating how software architects bridge the chasm that has traditionally separated clients and users from technical professionals. The authors explain how software architecture goes far beyond "software engineering," bringing new clarity to software development. Returning to the analogy of the building architect, they introduce each key phase of architecting a software system or infrastructure, from the earliest "schematics" through design and construction documents, bidding, negotiation, and actual software construction. Understand the temperaments and aptitudes needed by successful software architects; the relationship of architecture to technology; and software architecture's growing status as a formal profession. MARKET: For all developers, software engineers, software architects, and students of software architecture; and for IT managers who want a clearer understanding of the concepts and role of software architecture.

MARC T. SEWELL is an independent software architect and President of Worldwide Institute of Software Architects (WWISA) who has designed software systems ranging from managing banking transactions to trafficking retail products. He has been a systems programmer for Boeing Computer Services, Chief Architect for IBM Corporation, and VP of Information Systems for Morgan Stanley.

LAURA M. SEWELL is a professional writer with essays published in the Washington Post and the Atlanta Journal Constitution, as well as the Department of Defense's Software Technology News. She is the author of the WWISA website and has also been a Rehabilitation Counselor for over 20 years.