IASA provides membership for both individuals and organizations. Individual membership is called just that; membership. Organization membership is referred to as sponsorship. Individual membership exists to improve the opportunities, resources and prestige of the profession of IT architecture and all existing specializations (software architect, business architect, infrastructure architect, enterprise architect, etc.). Sponsorship exists to provide a feedback loop, financial and information resources to the IT architect community. Think about it this way, in the building architect trade concrete does not change (much) year over year, but in IT architecture our resources change monthly. Thus the need for a close bond with the corporate community.

Why should I join?

In the past three years, the IASA has proven that it is here to stay and will consistently enhance the careers of it's members. Through advocacy, research, knowledge publication, community development and certification, we are simply here to make your job easier, get you paid more for doing it and highlight your accomplishments when you do it well. Our members include aspiring architects all the way to chief architects and thought leaders. Just by becoming an active member you are improving the profession and ultimately your career. If we are not successful you have lost nothing, but if we continue our success our members will enjoy a significant advantage over the competition for the best jobs. Please see the Career Benefits section for more information.

I heard it used to be free, why do you charge now ?

Two reasons. One we never intended to be completely sponsor funded. Down that road IASA becomes a marketing engine for vendors. With a balanced funding model we are able to maintain our independence and objectivity. Second, we are offering twice as many community services as we did before, many of which have no immediate sponsor benefit (thus they do not want to pay for them). Things like the development of certification, training curriculum, a monthly architect journal, content development, and research are of benefit directly to the membership. Your membership dues help us to provide these services.

How is IASA different from other architecture groups?

While many IT architecture organizations focus on the profession of architecture or specific types of architecture, IASA is primarily focused on you, the professional.  Our purpose is to provide the tools and support to assist architects at every stage of their career. For example, the Enterprise Architecture Interest Group, the Association of Enterprise Architects, and the Global Enterprise Architect Organization are focused on only enterprise architecture. That's all well and good, but how does someone become an enterprise architect? Magic? The AMA, the AIA and other primary associations have provided much value due to their open nature for all practicioners of the profession.

So why do you have software architect in your corporate title?

When we founded the IASA we had no idea we would grow so quickly. We believed that specialization would help us survive the trials of a small business. We were wrong. Also, it is very difficult to come up with a generic architect term (some people even complain that IT Architect is too specific). At some point we may change the name to something more general. However, for now, just know that we are for ALL IT architects.