I'm a Solution Architect with a "lot" (aka blood on the floor) of years developing custom applications for businesses of all sizes. I place more emphasis on understanding business requirements than implementing "cool" technology. I often ask the question, "That's a nice solution, but what is the business problem?". You would be surprised how often the client has trouble answering the question. I like to think out of the box, but only after I understand the business requirements, and key indictors of success.