"I think someone who claims expertise in 'software' should understand the process until it stops being software, which is architecture."
Having a broad background is useful even if it's considered "architecture". Knowledge of networks and protocols is essential. Having IT chops is a great toolkit to draw from. A DBA will need to know more about storage than most developers. Understanding some RF basics helps when dealing with wireless. I've probably used more of my EE background dealing with lower levels of the stack than my CS background.
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"I think someone who claims expertise in 'software' should understand the process until it stops being software, which is architecture."
Having a broad background is useful even if it's considered "architecture". Knowledge of networks and protocols is essential. Having IT chops is a great toolkit to draw from. A DBA will need to know more about storage than most developers. Understanding some RF basics helps when dealing with wireless. I've probably used more of my EE background dealing with lower levels of the stack than my CS background.