[arijitraja]

You have started a great discussion. I started as a software developer/analyst for IBM and then moved into developing and supporting financial systems for one of the largest banks in the world. I was never totally technical - wanted to know the larger picture and "chunk up" the issues/problems and it worked to my benefit. In my last role, I was doing exactly what you mentioned - bridging the gap between the in silo technical staff and the business. Metrics and Process improvement play a massive role - especially for companies which are relatively in the early stages of their maturity (< 10 years since inception)

Having said that, knowing how to write code gives you the ability to estimate your developers work and plan your workload/deadlines. Developers will feel connected as well knowing that you will understand their issues, joys.