The Agile architect – oxymoron or saviour?

The title of “architect” has historically been a sought-after title on one’s business card and resumé. This is, in part, a natural outgrowth of the way that architects employed in the construction of buildings have been revered over time as the smart and creative “brains” behind important endeavours that last over time. But modern software development processes, such as Agile, Scrum, and eXtreme Programming play down the role of grand upfront design. Does that mean that software architects are no longer needed? We’ll explore the role of the architect in modern process, and suggest why such individuals are needed as much now as ever before, with perhaps some changes in approach to the work at hand. The session will be conducted as a presentation followed by roundtable discussion.