Technology Trends

All major companies forecast what the next technology trends will be. These companies must also plan to recruit the skilled workers that will advance their companies position in the use of these technologies. In order to predict these trends we must first understand the technologies that will be involved. During an economic downturn, competitive businesses must carefully weigh the value of any technology investments they make. The most savvy companies are positioning themselves for recovery. They will adopt the technologies that will bring them the most value.

According to a survey taken of our top Cisco engineers, CCIE, ( 970 of them) the following technologies will need to be supported.

• Information security: Companies of all sizes increasingly recognize the importance of reputation damage and the loss of proprietary business intelligence.
• Virtualization: As cost concerns merge with environmental initiatives, firms are considering the benefits of virtualization in several contexts. Many companies seek professionals who can help them protect hardware investments and reduce space and power requirements.
• Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): Businesses are investing in VoIP to lower their phone bills, increase network flexibility and establish unified messaging.
• Software as a Service (SaaS): Subscribing to SaaS rather than purchasing software licenses is a particularly attractive option for businesses with tight IT budgets. Many firms are evaluating the potential cost savings of SaaS.
• Business intelligence: Many companies view the information they maintain as a key source of competitive success. They are investing in innovative ways to leverage that data more strategically.

The skilled work force that is needed to support these technologies does not exist at the present time. More IT (Information Technology) hiring is going to be taking place. A competition such as IT PC/Network Support highlights the skills needed by the individuals that will perform these types of careers. Research your area and see who offers training in these technologies. See if you have a Cisco Networking Academy near you. Visit with your instructor or career counselor, they could point you the right direction to join the skilled work force that is needed for this century.