Thanks Leon, some good advice there. I'm about to start studying for MCTS. Is there any other skills I should be looking at to progress into an Architect role?

What's involved in the architect route? I assume it's more design. Are there any architects out there who wouldn't mind giving a run down of there role?

Hi all, I need some advice. I've been a software developer for the last six years. I've progressed to development manager within that time and that for me still involves a lot of programming. I feel it's time for a change. What do poeple do after software development and how do they go about doing it? Thanks for your time Sion

Hi, I'm a software development manager for a small business and I understand how you are feeling. Different managers have different styles and unfortunatly some can lack training on people managment. Being about to give and, just as important, receive feedback is crucial for a department to run effectivly. Here is my advice to you: a) maybe say to your manager, "what do you think to this?" or "do you like the way this is works?". You need to gain feedback whether positive or negative as soon as possible as you don't want to be in the situation where another two months down the line the manager turns around and says what you've done is wrong. b) Is your manager approchable? Not sure? Then test the water. See what his reaction is like. You may find that they are cool then you can develop the relationship from there. c) if manager is not approachable then how about talking to HR or another senior management person. Hope this helps Sion