The Conference starts with a welcome and introduction to the W- JAX 2024 by Program Chair Sebastian Meyen followed by Diana Monatlion's keynote:

One of the most contentious words in technology culture today is “Architect.” I regularly experience an endless stream of divisive, confusing opinions about what "architecture" means.  At a conference, an attendee noticed that my badge said "architect" and told me "I want to be an architect too, but I don't know enough about Kubernetes yet".

Architecture, in the systems age, is not (just) Kubernetes. It's not the implementation of any particular toolset. Architecture is designing relationships between parts and adapting those relationship patterns as circumstances change. This requires engaging our mental models and working together to transform them.

The architecture skillset is sociotechnical - a blend of social and technology skills. It is a way of thinking and communicating. In the modern age, there is no division between the way we think together and the code running in production. Our thinking designs our architecture. Architecture is structuring good systems thinking. In this talk, I will admit that architecture is sometimes Kubernetes. And share five essential qualities that make a good architect a great architect, regardless of the toolset they employ.

Diana Montalion reveals details about her workshop, which will focus on exciting real-world scenarios. Diana also gives us an insight into her session at the conference, shares her thoughts on systems architecture in the modern age and how to keep up with the challenges of our modern digital infrastructure.

Join us at the iSAQB Software Architecture Gathering conference from November 11-14 in Berlin. Save your Early Bird Discount until October 17 and get your ticket today at conferences.isaqb.org. We also offer exclusive discounts for students and graduates of iSAQB training and certification.

Andrew Harmel-Law and Diana Montalion explore the critical importance of systems thinking in software development and organizational dynamics. Diana Montalion touches on her new book, "Learning Systems Thinking," highlighting how traditional linear approaches to problem-solving often fall short in today's complex environments. She emphasizes that effective systems leadership requires not only recognizing the interconnectedness of various components but also fostering collaborative thinking and decision-making among teams.

By engaging in practices that enhance understanding and adaptability, organizations can better navigate challenges and drive meaningful change, moving beyond simplistic solutions to embrace a more holistic view of their systems