6/1/2011 5:01:22 PM
The Top Ten IT Skills for 2011
So, it seems we’re coming out of the downturn. Companies are
investing again - some hiring more than we at ARM have seen for
many years - and we have an IT skills shortage once more; but
looking ahead into the rest of 2011 and beyond, what will be the
in-demand skill sets?
1. Cloud Computing
What is Cloud Computing? In its most stripped-down format it is
the delivery of hardware, software and application services over
the internet, on demand. And why would companies embrace it? It
means businesses only pay for what they use - gone will be the days
of under-utilised servers. Is it therefore green as well? I won't
try to handle that hot potato just yet!
There are a number of different models for delivering the cloud
such as SaaS, Utility Computing and Web & Platform Services.
Each has its own set of USPs and will suit different businesses
with different needs and different budgets.
It is STILL one of the most sought after skill sets; companies
must be able to adapt quickly to new conditions placed upon them
and to this end, rapid programming and agile programming are making
a comeback: Flash, HTML5, Silverlight, Touchscreen etc.
3. Virtualisation
To the uneducated (including myself some might say!),
virtualisation is essentially having multiple physical servers
moved into a virtual machine environment. The major players are
Citrix, VMWare and Microsoft, and while the USPs for business are
strong (lower hardware and cooling costs), do companies have the
skills to implement and maintain it?
Which one do you go for? Cisco, Avaya, Polycom? There is plenty
of choice but all require highly skilled people. Throw the
integration of Conferencing or Unified Messaging into the network
and you have a whole new ball game. VoIP is growing in popularity
and momentum but the issue for skills is that not everyone has
knowledge of more than one platform. If you are a Cisco Voice guru
AND have become a SME of Office Communications Server 2007 Unified
Messaging and conferencing, then stand by: if you aren't already
busy and making good money, your world will change.
5. Project Management
Yes there are a lot of PMs around but there is a reason for
that, they are always in demand! These are the people who will be
managing the change and transformation of the IT stack over the
coming year. Good PMs that can articulate what they delivered for a
salary, or a day rate, will always do well.
6. Business Intelligence / Data Analytics
I wish I hadn't opened up this can of worms. Want to understand
how the big supermarkets know what you're spending? Ever wondered
why certain promotions are pushed your way? Companies like SAS
certainly know why, and Agencies such as Dunnhumby will help them
do just that.
Not this is perhaps THE in-demand niche. I can think of at least
two companies within the past few weeks to have fallen foul of not
looking after their own ship - Epsilon and Sony. Defending your own
shores is one thing but perhaps the biggest risk to businesses are
their own users, who must be trained to be cognizant of, and aware
of the importance of preventing, leaks, breaches and 'mishaps'.
8. Web 2.0
This allows users (or customers) to choose their interaction
experience (Social Media, Networking Sites, Blogs, Wikis etc). Lots
of companies, including ARM, now have Facebook, Twitter etc, and it
is these companies, and those behind the curve, that will need IT
professionals with Adobe Flex, JavaScript, Adobe Flash, AJAX and
JavaScript Object over the next year.
Some might say the world we live in is too connected at times,
but it is connected nevertheless - and there are a host of
technologies competing for a slice of this pie. But who wants
different accounts for Conferencing, Email, Instant Messaging,
voicemail etc? Bring it all together please....oh, and good luck
network managers and administrators!
10. Networking & Social Networking
Don't underestimate the power of social networking - it has
freed people incarcerated overseas, been used to organise huge
social events, found lost or missing people – on short, it has
incomparable power and influence. Our 'traditional' workplace is
changing and as more work remotely, these tools are invaluable. So,
technology like Microsoft Office Communicator will allow an
individual or employee to have both business and personal contacts
on one IM interface.
The ARM way
This is the bit where I get all clucky, proud and mother-hen
like...I'm fortunate to say that this is pretty much how ARM has
set up its ITC Recruitment team.
For Cloud Computing I have 3 individuals from
both a networking and security angle who can support our
clients.
When it comes to programming, my two lead
consultants focus on Java, .net and Silverlight.
If you ask me about Virtualisation, well, we
are constantly supplying both VMWare and Citrix professionals -
both as permanent employees, and as interim contractors.
Voice – pah, easy-peasey: I have a
Communications team that support Voice demands each and every
day.
Project Management - one of my team talks all
day every day to Project & Programme Managers (as well as
Business Analysts and Change Managers), in fact this person has
just come back from ARM's Platinum Club trip to Barcelona for our
highest achievers.
IT & Information Security, well this is a
no-brainer as I've worked in this market since 1998 and I have a
team who do nothing else but talk CLAS, PCI, Malware and Worms all
day every day.
Web 2.0 - I didn't have much of a choice in
this one, as ARM formulated its Web 2.0 strategy so the market
demanded we service this shift and today we love this technology
framework.
Unified Communications: not a problem. One of
my Consultants within my Communications Team networks in this space
all day.
Networking and Social Networking, we couldn't
really have a Web 2.0 strategy and a Communications team and not
cover this growing demand.
All in all, ARM's ITC Recruitment team
is perfectly placed to meet the demand IT will place upon
businesses over the next calendar year. If you are looking for a
new challenge, we are here to try and help you.
Thank you for reading!
Damian Hicklin
IT
Security & Communications Manager
Follow me on Twitter
ARM