With the creation of its new network infrastructure architect certification, Cisco Certified Architect, Cisco is pointing out the distinctions between design and architecture job roles. Although there is some overlap, Cisco feels that architecture is different enough to deserve its own job title rather than be folded in as a part of the designer’s job description. The architect is charged with keeping the big picture perspective in mind, while the designer will focus on the details of the project. For example, the architect would be concerned with the role a particular component would play, while the designer would choose which specific component to use to fill that role.
Another objective of the Cisco Certified Architect is to address the reality of the creation of large scale data centers and global networks as occurs today, which the architect must do while keeping the business objectives and not just the technical side in mind. The testing for the new certification is also different, as the candidate will face an examining board rather than a computer-based test and will have to present and justify the choices made in creating their network design.
To see a brief (6 1/2 minute) presentation on the Cisco Certified Architect certification from Cisco, view the video below:
Tags: architect, cisco, network design
