22nd August 2017

MAPA – Microsoft Association of Practising Architects

Now this flew under my radar until recently. Through ‘The-MAPA’, Microsoft have setup a place for a community of architects to develop. Providing valuable resources to architects who are building IP and solutions utilising the Microsoft Cloud, platforms for community interaction and a channel to communicate directly back to Microsoft.

What is the MAPA

Through the MAPA Microsoft is making available resources to help architects who are tasked with building solutions, IP or helping customers design their IT environment. Providing resources to identify best practice and offer architectural guidance.

Through MAPA Microsoft has made available online training material and real world architectural sessions led by industry and domain experts. Designed to help build competency through the Microsoft technology stack, with focus on Azure, Private Cloud, Dynamics CRM and AX, Hyper-V, Business Intelligence (BI), Internet of Things (IoT) and O365.

Benefits

The benefits offered by the MAPA are dependent on member level. With those levels decided through profiling, previous and current job roles and community participation. Some of the listed benefits are;

Gain access to Learning Resources, Case Studies and more
Access to Online Sessions delivered by Technology & Domain Experts
Whitepaper publishing opportunity on Microsoft Official Channels
Speaker Slots and Free Passes at Microsoft Events
Community Interactions and Recognition
Consulting Support for real-world Solutions Architecture

Levels

The-MAPA offers the following member levels;

Member – Open to all

Associate – Community members identified as potential pioneers, working in an architect or consultant role and with 6+ years of experience

Pioneer – Community members that are Enterprise Architects, with 10+ years of experience and who is responsible for technical leadership, crucial initiatives or supporting a key enterprise customer.

Luminary – Community members that are Chief Architects, CTO or CIO of a business or business unit, with 15+ years of relevant experience. With responsibilities for technical strategy.

Why join The-MAPA

With no membership fees to pay and no mandatory minimum level of experience there is no cost to gain entry to the offered resources. Resources such as Architect News, content focusing on specific existing and forthcoming technologies, Microsoft Virtual Academy and MOOCs, Case Studies, Infographics, Workshop Content and Product Roadmaps.

Recognition for expert status through the MAPA Champs program, if you have an MCSE in Azure, 365, Enterprise Mobility, Communications or Linux, you can use your exam passes to gain MAPA Champ recognition.

The Architectural Garage! Microsoft through the-MAPA is providing what they have anointed the Architectural Garage. Which is a platform with a set of tools and IP that MAPA members can use on a day to day basis to assess cloud solutions and build robust cloud architecture. With tooling for Candidacy Assessment to enable Microsoft architects to evaluate and validate your designs and solutions for Azure, Solution Templates and Reference Architectures, Capacity Sizing and Estimator and Business Proposal Generators.

Summary

Whether you already hold certifications for Microsoft platforms or not, if you are working with Microsoft cloud products and technology or responsible for the ongoing support and strategy, why would you not join and gain access to further resources and knowledge.

Simon