http://www.codingthearchitecture.com/2007/01/12/contract_architects.html So, we were in the pub this evening and the subject of contracting (i.e. going independent) came up. Without a doubt, we all agreed the contract market is awash with roles that are focussed on software development. Lots of companies are willing to ... en Simon Brown Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:52:35 GMT Pebble (http://pebble.sourceforge.net) http://backend.userland.com/rss http://www.codingthearchitecture.com/2007/01/12/contract_architects.html#comment1170264527147 <p>As well as trust, there is perhaps also a bit more safety in using a consultant. In theory, the consultancy is offering a guarantee of the consultant's skills and can replace them should they prove unsuitable or if they stop being available. This also gives greater continuity when people are moving between companies/roles/contracts.</p> <p>Outside the world of discrete software products, technical architecture may also be regarded as an ongoing role (unlike in the building industry), and is slightly less suited to the contractor/consultant market where it could be costly if undertaken by retainer without a continual stream of projects.</p> <p>No doubt there are examples of where businesses have processes in place to prevent islands of knowledge forming and can work successfully with permies, consultants and contractors alike.</p> Kevin Seal http://www.codingthearchitecture.com/2007/01/12/contract_architects.html#comments http://www.codingthearchitecture.com/2007/01/12/contract_architects.html#comment1170264527147 Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:28:47 GMT http://www.codingthearchitecture.com/2007/01/12/contract_architects.html#comment1168964588313 As a contract technical architect I can vouch for Alex's comment.<br /> <br /> I can also confirm that if the management believed that they would be more comfortable if I was permie then they would be wrong ;)<br /> <br /> Matt. Matt Read http://www.codingthearchitecture.com/2007/01/12/contract_architects.html#comments http://www.codingthearchitecture.com/2007/01/12/contract_architects.html#comment1168964588313 Tue, 16 Jan 2007 16:23:08 GMT http://www.codingthearchitecture.com/2007/01/12/contract_architects.html#comment1168938164334 Job title inflation is definitely a whole topic in it's own right..<br /> <br /> I would think that there is more job title inflation for permanent roles that there is for contract roles.&nbsp; Permanent people tend to buy in more to prestige/status than contractors, well at least the ones I know do. Dave Allison http://www.codingthearchitecture.com/2007/01/12/contract_architects.html#comments http://www.codingthearchitecture.com/2007/01/12/contract_architects.html#comment1168938164334 Tue, 16 Jan 2007 09:02:44 GMT