I wanted to take some time and talk about the Microsoft Certified Architect program.   I was one of the first Architects certified and I have also mentored Architects going for the certification and served on the Microsoft Certified Architect boards.  I certified on the Infrastructure track and man was it an eye opening experience.  My board was by far the most interesting, thought provoking and challenging interviews that I have ever completed.  The interview process was both broad and deep, covered Microsoft and non Microsoft technologies, Infrastructure and some dev questions.  It covered my communication and leadership skills and my knowledge of Architecture frameworks and how I use them to build solutions that map to business requirements. Wow it was great and firmly sold me on the need for Architects in IT.  Here are some interesting blogs and sites that discuss the Architects role:

http://blogs.technet.com/michael_platt/default.aspx

http://www.itarchitect.co.uk/

Allen Stewart

Microsoft Certified Architect