How necessary is for a Project Manager is to be a Technical?

If the PM has technical skills he/she can manage the project much more effectively. Technical skills will come in handy when planning, executing and indentifying anre risks to the Project.

Guys - Let's face it, those who have Technical Knowledge and detailed background in The IT Infrastructure are able to deliver Programs / Project with Zero downtime, On-Time and Budget.

Folks with Technical background can understand the risk from Global perspective and if the team is catching up / vendor is lacking of expertise can be identified in much earlier stages ; As compare to someone who is just a PM

I am Ex MCS (Microsoft Consulting Services) - Snr. Architect / Consultant & Technical Program Lead. I do see on regular basis, the PM's stugles to deliver and face other difficulties to understand the risk and challenges. 

Regards,

Irfan Ali 

Toronto-Canada 

With proper training, a Project Manager is capable to handle any project even without having technical knowledge, as the team of experts are always there for the same. However, having technical knowledge for the project has its advantages too.

With the appropriate Project management training one should be able to successfully manage projects in any domain (Technical). Having Technical Knowledge is certainly an added advantage.