Application delivery architects key to success

The emergence of application delivery networks (ADNs) - used for browser-based and web services applications - means companies must develop the skills required to build and manage them, according to IT analyst firm Gartner.

A new group of technical specialists, application delivery architects and engineers, should be the next key hires for any IT organisation making use of these often business-critical technologies, Gartner said.

"In many IT departments, application delivery professionals will be the first new positions for several years, and their emerging status as highly sought-after individuals will generate friction with the 'old guard'," said Joe Skorupa, research vice president at Gartner. "Nevertheless, IT departments that add these positions will see smoother application development and deployment, increased user satisfaction and lower costs."

Such professionals would work alongside application development, storage, security and network architects, he said, using a team approach to optimise their tech.

"This approach is considered the 'lifeboat method' because all members of the team must work together to ensure success. No individual can succeed unless the entire team does. With this approach, the application delivery architect functions like a lifeboat's captain leading the effort and filling in the gaps in understanding between other members of the team," said Skorupa.

But such ADN skills are in short supply, meaning most enterprises will need to develop skills in-house rather than hire externally, Gartner said.

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