Seagate creates IT jobs in Northern Ireland

Seagate Technology will create new IT jobs in Northern Ireland, it has been announced.

Enterprise minister Arlene Foster revealed that the computing firm will undertake two research and development projects that are expected to create a total of 95 IT jobs.

The company will receive £12.7million in support from Invest Northern Ireland (NI), which will help it to run new research projects in the country and create around 85 new jobs.

In addition, ten related positions will be created at Queen's University Belfast in a new research facility within its physics department.

The projects are expected to develop IT solutions for a range of industries, including advanced composites, medical sensors and security devices.'

Ms Foster commented: 'This was a mobile investment which could easily have gone elsewhere within the Seagate corporation, but for the strong case made by local management and the support offered by Invest NI.'

Recently, regional development agency One North East announced that it will create a state-of-the-art laboratory and business incubator space at the former Angel Biotechnology facility in Northumberland.

Mobile market 'ended 2009 with growth'

New research shows that the worldwide mobile phone market experienced strong growth at the end of 2009, which may be positive news for those seeking IT jobs.

Figures published by industry analyst IDC claimed that the market increased by 11.3 per cent in the final three months of last year, ending five successive quarters of contraction.

The IDC Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker showed that 325.3 million mobile phones were shipped in 2009's last quarter, compared to 292.4 million units in the same period in the previous year.

Senior research analyst Kevin Restivo commented: 'The mobile phone market has rebounded in dramatic fashion.'

Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's mobile devices technology and trends team, added that the converged mobile device market showed consistent growth throughout the last year.

'Consumer tastes for mobile phones have increasingly shifted from simple voice telephony to greater data usage,' he explained.

This week, IDC claimed that substantial growth will be seen in the smartphone market in the years up to 2013.

HR managers 'checking candidates' online reputations'

The majority of human resources (HR) managers think it is appropriate to view a candidate's online profile when considering them for a job, new research has shown.

A study carried out by computing giant Microsoft found that 64 per cent of HR managers believe in assessing an applicant's online reputation as part of the selection process, while 41 per cent have already turned down a candidate because of their profile.

In addition, the poll showed that 37 per cent of job applicants think it is their responsibility to safeguard their online image when using social networking platforms or blogs.

Cliff Evans, head of privacy and security at Microsoft UK, said that candidates need to realise the importance of having a good online reputation when searching for a new job.

'Reputation and information sharing as a privacy issue should be a major concern for individuals, particularly in a challenging economic environment where jobs are scarce,' he commented.

Earlier this month, employment expert Richard Doherty predicted that an increasing number of companies will start to use social networking as part of their recruitment process.

Large firms 'to use more free applications'

A new poll has found that more than half of large companies will increase their use of free software this year.

Research by software firm Global Graphics found that 76 per cent of big firms already use some form of free application and 51 per cent intend to deploy more across the organisation in the coming 12 months.

The study also showed that Adobe Reader PDF software is the most commonly deployed piece of free software used at enterprise or departmental level, followed by Java Runtime Environment and Adobe Flash Player.

In addition, companies are making frequent use of software such as QuickTime, OpenOffice, Google Docs, Skype and Microsoft Save.

Gary Fry, chief executive of the company, commented: 'Large organisations are perfectly prepared to use free software where possible, and upgrade to a full paid-for version of the product where it makes sense for them.'

Earlier this month, IT industry analyst Gartner claimed that IT budgets for this year will be held at their 2009 value.

PwC: Businesses to start recruiting

Bosses are increasingly planning on increasing their organisation's headcount, a report has claimed, which could be good news for those looking for new IT jobs.

A study by professional services provider PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) found that 42 per cent of chief executive officers (CEOs) intend to take on new staff in the coming 12 months, while 63 per cent expect the UK's economy to recover in 2010.

The study found that British bosses are more optimistic about recruitment than European leaders, as just 27 per cent of those in Germany, 29 per cent in Italy and 30 per cent in France intend to increase headcounts.

Ian Powell, UK chairman and senior partner at PwC, commented: 'It is encouraging to see that UK CEOs are beginning, if somewhat cautiously, to prepare for an upturn.'

Recently, Tom Hadley, director of external affairs at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, claimed that companies are likely to start taking on new staff in the coming months, although recruitment will be cautious.

Govt 'should back videogame industry'

The government needs to help the UK's computer game industry to thrive, the Westminster eForum keynote seminar has been told.

Tom Watson, a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Computer and Videogames Industry, claimed that the sector is a 'hotbed of creativity and innovation' but needs government help to make the most of its opportunities.

He added: 'The videogames industry has transformed in the last decade, and it is a cultural movement that is going to be part of the UK's culture for the next century.'

Mr Watson also said that the government needs to help the sector by making sure that there is enough access to education to support the development of high-quality technical skills.

Chris Deering, non-executive chairman at Codemasters, recently told the Westminster eForum seminar that the UK has been a world leader in videogame development for some time and the government should help it to retain this position.

Cloud-based mobile applications 'set for growth'

New research has said the market for cloud-based mobile applications is likely to experience significant growth over the coming years, which could create new IT jobs.

A report published by Juniper Research predicted that the widespread adoption of mobile broadband and the need for converged services will result in the market having annual revenues of $9.5 billion (£5.89 billion) by 2014.

The study claimed that most of the revenue will be generated by enterprise applications, as companies become more interested in saving money by using cloud-based technologies.

In addition, the research pointed out that companies should be attention to data security issues when using cloud-based mobile applications and research their providers to ensure they are reputable.

'Not only is it imperative for cloud providers to ensure that access to and storage of customer data is secure, but that the procedures that they put in place in this regard – including data backup strategies – are transparent to the customer,' study author Dr Windsor Holden added.

Research by CIO Connect found that chief information officers seem split about the extent that the rise of cloud computing will affect IT, as 40 per cent think its impact will be significant while a fifth disagree.

Corridor Manchester 'will benefit businesses'

Manchester's new fibre optic network will offer advantages to businesses, an expert has pointed out, which could lead to the creation of new IT jobs.

Last week, the Manchester Digital Development Agency announced that work is progressing on a new open access network in the city which will allow firms to benefit from ultrafast broadband.

Commenting on the project, TechRadar.com editor Dan Grabham said: 'The new Manchester fibre network is a significant move by the city. And funded by the North West Development Agency, it's a clever one too - it will attract new business.'

In addition, Mr Grabham predicted that if the Corridor Manchester initiative proves to be successful, it is likely that similar projects will be rolled out across other cities in the UK.

However, the expert warned that city-based ultrafast networks should not contribute to the country's digital divide and said that more investment is needed to boost broadband access in rural areas.

REC: Cautious optimism seen in recruitment

Firms in the UK are likely to begin cautiously recruiting new staff, it has been suggested, which may be welcome news for those considering a new IT job.

Tom Hadley, director of external affairs at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), said that recruitment agencies are noticing a rise in demand from companies looking to take on more staff.

'There is a more positive picture than there has been, it's starting from quite a low base but I think that there are some modest signs of recovery and genuine recruitment activity happening out there,' he explained.

However, the expert added that businesses are likely to be cautious about the number of new workers they take on and could prefer to create more flexible positions than permanent jobs.

The REC's January JobsOutlook report showed 91 per cent of companies are satisfied with the service they receive from recruitment agencies, while the organisation also found that one in ten firms plan on expanding their workforce in the coming three months.

TVEP blasts off Thames Valley UK Launch Pad

A new drive has been launched by the Thames Valley Economic Partnership (TVEP) to attract foreign direct investors to the south-east of England.

The networking organisation and its members unveiled the Thames Valley UK Launch Pad service at an event on January 14th to offer support to overseas firms considering investing in the local area.

Under the scheme, inward-investing businesses coming into the Thames Valley for the first time will be able access a package of professional services to reduce the time and costs associated with their investments.

Foreign direct investors receive a free consultation with lawyers and accountants about issues such as VAT, employing expat staff and entity registration.

In addition, a special offer allows companies to benefit from six months of office space rent-free at 14 business locations in the valley.

'Thames Valley UK Launch Pad comprises a team of tried and tested professionals. It offers new investors 'one-stop' to competitive advantage,' the TVEP said on its website.

The TVEP works with organisations operating in the region, such as Cisco Systems, Vodafone, Microsoft and GCS Recruitment, to support the local business environment.

IDC: Strong growth expected for smartphone market

New research has predicted that there will be substantial growth in the smartphone market in the next few years, which could create new IT jobs.

A study published by IT industry analyst IDC claimed that there will be a compound annual growth rate of 20.9 per cent in the worldwide shipments of converged mobile devices in the years to 2013.

The firm also predicted that the total number of devices shipped by 2013 will be more than 320 million.

Stephen Drake, vice president of mobility and telecoms at IDC, claimed that mobile operating systems will emerge as a major factor in the success of various smartphone models.

'Although the overall look and feel of the device will still play an important role in the buying process, the wrong choice of operating system coupled with an awkward user interface can mean the difference between success and failure,' he commented.

The IDC report claimed that Symbian will remain the leading mobile operating system between 2009 and 2013, but Android is tipped to see the fastest growth rate in the market.

Recently, Conrad Longmore, editor at Mobile Gazette, said that mid-range smartphones are likely to include features previously only seen on top-end models.

UK leaves recession

New government figures show that the UK has tentatively emerged from the recession, which could be welcomed by those considering new IT jobs.

Economic estimates from the Office for National Statistics revealed that UK gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.1 per cent quarter-on-quarter in the final three months of 2009.

The rise is the first time the country's economy has expanded since the first quarter of 2008, but experts had expected it to recover by around 0.4 per cent.

Howard Archer, chief UK and European economist for IHS Global Insight, commented: 'Economic and financial conditions are still very challenging and the UK faces a tough job to build decent recovery.'

He also predicted that GDP will grow by one per cent across the whole of 2010.

Chancellor Alistair Darling told the BBC that he is 'confident' the UK is heading towards economic recovery, but reserves some caution over the next few months.

Phil Flaxton, chief executive of not-for-profit initiative Work Wise UK, recently said there are signs that employment conditions in Britain are starting to improve.

Firms 'can benefit from professional recruiters'

Professional recruiters provide a good way to get the right candidate into a suitable position, according to one expert.

Angela Masters of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals said that employers have to be as efficient as possible when taking on new staff.

She pointed out that selection procedures are becoming increasingly tough, as more rules and regulations are applied to the process.

'This is a good thing and is an opportunity for recruitment professionals to highlight the added value that we provide on a daily basis by putting the right candidates forward in the first place,' the expert commented.

Ms Masters also explained that recruitment professionals are skilled at analysing a candidate's CV to find out how well they will do in a role and are trained not to judge an applicant's suitability on their appearance.

Recent Recruitment and Employment Confederation research found that most employers are happy with the recruitment agency they are currently using.

One North East invests in incubator lab

A new high-tech laboratory in the north-east will help small and medium-sized enterprises.

In a development which may create new IT jobs, regional development agency One North East will convert the former Angel Biotechnology facility at Cramlington in Northumberland into state-of-the-art laboratory and incubator space.

The facility will allow small companies in the healthcare and life sciences sectors to access specialist equipment for molecular biology, bio-process development and cell culture without having to invest large sums of money.

Tony Ikwue, One North East head of innovation and business development, commented: 'We are confident that tenant companies, whether indigenous or new to the region, will take this opportunity to exploit a first-class facility and create additional jobs as they grow.'

Last month, the agency unveiled the £15 million NorthernNet project, which is a high-speed and secure digital network designed to boost collaboration, innovation and interaction within the region's digital and creative industries.

Companies 'happy with recruiters'

The vast majority of employers are satisfied with their current recruitment agency, a new poll has found.

According to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation's (REC's) January JobsOutlook report, 91 per cent of firms are happy with the service they receive from their agencies.

Commenting on the study, REC director of research Roger Tweedy said: 'It shows that recruitment agencies have punched above their weight in maintaining the highest standards despite having to make their own cutbacks in staff.'

In addition, he claimed that the findings demonstrate employers' confidence in the recruitment industry and indicates they will continue to use them through the eventual economic upswing to take on new members of staff.

The REC survey also found that one in ten companies plan on increasing their workforce in the coming three months, with one in five saying staff levels will rise during the next year.

Recently, Angela Masters of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals pointed out that recruiting specialists can help companies to make their selection processes more efficient.

BT's Infinity 'is good for UK'

The roll-out of BT's Infinity service represents a positive development for the UK's broadband infrastructure, which could lead to the creation of new IT jobs.

Edd Dawson, managing director of advice resource broadband.co.uk, said the technology, which offers download speeds of up to 40 Mbps, should be considered 'evolution rather than revolution' as consumers can already receive high-speed access through rivals such as Virgin Media.

The expert claimed that Infinity's main advantage is its download and upload speeds and said industries such as graphic design and video are likely to experience the most benefit.

Mr Dawson also suggested that the UK is ready for the roll-out of next-generation internet, explaining: 'As people consume more and more rich media via their broadband connection speed becomes their top priority.'

He added that while the spread of high-speed broadband is good for the UK, the country is still lagging behind the infrastructure used in South Korea.

Recent research on broadband speeds found that the UK's average connection is 3.4 Mps, placing it 34th in worldwide league tables.

Govt 'should safeguard videogame industry'

The government needs to do more to help the UK's computer game industry remain competitive with foreign rivals, it has been suggested.

Chris Deering, non-executive chairman at Codemasters, speaking at the Westminster eForum keynote seminar, said Britain has been a world leader in videogame development for some time.

'The UK has a lot of innovative thought and a lot of logical thought and an ability to get things done, but it's really just taking note of the way the rest of the world is catching up,' he commented.

Mr Deering added that this is rapidly becoming a problem for the country's competitive advantage in the industry and claimed it will not be resolved by the government simply giving it a handout.

The expert called on the government to recognise that the UK's computer game industry is as large as the movie sector and boost efforts to support its welfare.

Recently, the videogames sales monitor GfK Chart-Track revealed that annual sales figures for computer games reached £1.621 billion last year.

Birmingham City University to host videogame design event

Budding games developers in the West Midlands will be able to demonstrate their skills at an event at Birmingham City University.

Starting on February 19th, the X48 event will see student teams use Microsoft's XNA Game Studio 3.1 to develop videogames which are more innovative that the usual first-person shooters or puzzles.

The games created in the Imagine Cup will be reviewed by software giant Microsoft and regional agency Screen West Midlands.

In addition to creating new games, entrants to the competition will receive advice from industry professionals and support from world-class digital businesses operating in the region.

Andrew Sithers, academic lead at Microsoft UK, commented: 'Bringing together the excitement and pressure of X48 with the global impact of the Imagine Cup will give students a real opportunity to showcase the potential of the next generation of games industry leaders and innovators.'

Meanwhile, a team of games designers from Staffordshire University are to take part in the Global Games Jam, which is an international competition with more than 125 entrants.

The team is one of nine which are entering from the UK and expects to have around 50 members when the event starts on January 29th.

UK jobs outlook 'improving'

The worst appears to be over in the UK's employment market, an expert has claimed, which may be good news for those considering changing IT jobs.

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that the number of unemployed people in the UK fell for the first time in 18 months, dropping the total down to 2.46 million.

Commenting on the news, Institute for Employment Studies research fellow Thomas Usher said the fall is 'not necessarily' surprising, as signs could already be seen that the market was improving.

'It certainly seems that if you compare what has happened month-by-month in this recession with what has happened month-by-month in previous recent recessions, the labour market has performed better this time,' the expert claimed.

However, Mr Usher also noted that there has been a rise in the number of people who are working part time but suggested some of these would rather hold full-time positions, which could mean proper recovery is some way off.

Agency worker rights put before parliament

Legislation which would give the UK's 1.3 million agency workers new rights has been introduced to parliament today.

According to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the government hopes to get the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 on the statute book by the end of the current parliament's term.

The legislation, which implements a European Union directive, will give agency workers the same pay, holidays and other basic working conditions as staff who have been directly recruited after they have been with the employer for more than 12 weeks.

Pat McFadden, business minister, commented: 'This change in the law is aimed at ensuring fairness for agency workers in relation to the permanent employees they work alongside.'

He also pointed out that the directive received the support of the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry.

In addition, Mr McFadden claimed that the legislation combine fairness with flexibility, which will support the ability of the UK's labour market to create new jobs.

Last month, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills unveiled a new scheme to attract more foreign workers to UK research positions.

Communication technologies 'avoid need for business travel'

The UK's small firms are increasingly replacing overseas business travel with communications technology, a poll has found, which may create IT jobs.

Research commissioned by communication software provider Skype showed that 54 per cent of small enterprises believe workers had travelled abroad needlessly for a meeting and many are looking at how IT can avoid this.

The study found that time constraints, environmental concerns and budget cuts have led to more companies investigating how technology can replace the need to travel, with 41 per cent of small firms expressing interest in instant messaging.

In addition, 40 per cent are looking at using Skype, 34 per cent are considering teleconferencing and 28 per cent are investigating video conferencing.

Video-based communication technologies are among those currently proving popular with businesses, as 59 per cent said they will use them to replace travel in the future.

Stefan Oberg, vice president of Skype for Business, said: 'With the obvious cuts in business travel, companies need to find new ways to communicate, collaborate and compete.'

Recently, IBISWorld senior analyst George van Horn claimed VoIP will remain popular with firms because of the low call costs it creates.

Unemployment falls in UK

The latest government figures have shown that unemployment in the UK has unexpectedly fallen, which may be welcome news for those considering changing IT jobs.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the rate of unemployment currently stands at 7.8 per cent, dropping from 7.9 per cent last month. This is the first fall in unemployment for the past 18 months.

The organisation pointed out that this means there are 2.46 million unemployed people in the UK, compared to 28.92 million with jobs.

Commenting on the figures, work and pensions secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'The extra investment in jobs, education and training is making a real difference, helping people through the recession and preventing the kind of unemployment we saw in the eighties and nineties.'

She also pointed out that the ONS figures show that 450,000 fewer people are unemployed than was forecast by experts last year.

Earlier this month, Phil Flaxton, chief executive of not-for-profit initiative Work Wise UK, said that optimism is gradually improving in the country's jobs market.

CIOs 'divided over cloud computing's impact'

Chief information officers (CIOs) appear to be divided over how cloud computing will impact IT, it has been found.

A poll conducted by CIO Connect discovered that 40 per cent of those in IT jobs believe that cloud computing will have a significant effect on technology, with 12 per cent agreeing strongly with this sentiment.

These CIOs anticipate that the innovation creates a major opportunity for change because of the arrival of high-speed broadband, remote management techniques and virtualisation.

'Other crucial factors to the success of the cloud included the globalisation of the supply chain, a maturing offshore model and a difficult economic climate,' CIO Connect added.

However, the research showed that one-fifth of those in IT jobs think cloud computing will only have a limited impact on how companies use technology.

The survey also revealed that 78 per cent of CIOs expect the consumerisation of IT to create new ways of working, although security threats will go hand-in-hand with these opportunities.

Recently, Rob Lovell, chief executive at ThinkGrid, claimed that cloud computing will become increasingly attractive to small firms over the next 12 months, as they realise the cost savings and flexibility it can create.

New technology 'should be embraced by retail'

The coming year will change how companies use the internet to build relationships with their customers, which could create website developer jobs.

Deborah Collier, managing director and chief strategist at Echo E-Business, claimed that firms should make use of new technologies, social networking media and popular culture to bolster customer relations.

The expert said research by her organisation shows a Twitter campaign can create ten times more user clicks than email marketing and suggested that using the platform can allows companies to cut the middleman out of their promotional drives.

Ms Collier also claimed that enterprises can conduct more mobile commerce, explaining: 'Throughout the next decade, we will become less and less attached to our computers, and more connected to our surrounding world via cutting-edge technologies and handheld mobile devices.'

David Gruehn, industry solutions director for retail at software giant Microsoft, recently said retailers should start to make more use of the internet and mobile devices to improve the services they offer customers.

CIOs 'to change IT's purpose'

Chief information officers (CIOs) are likely to use the next 12 months showing how technology can deliver a competitive advantage, which may interest those seeking new IT jobs.

Research carried out by industry analyst Gartner predicted that IT budgets will remain flat in 2010 but stressed the need for IT departments to demonstrate that they can generate value in times of recovery as well as save money in a recession.

Mark McDonald, group vice president and head of research for Gartner Executive Programmes, explained: 'CIOs see 2010 as an opportunity to accelerate IT's transition from a support function to strategic contributor focused on innovation and competitive advantage.'

The organisation also said that the top technology priorities for the next 12 months are likely to be virtualisation, cloud computing, web 2.0, networking, voice and data communications, business intelligence and mobile technologies.

Recently, Gartner predicted that 20 per cent of companies will not own any IT assets by 2012, due to increased use of technologies such as cloud-enabled services and virtualisation.

CIOs 'showing business optimism'

The majority of those in chief information officer (CIO) jobs are confident about business outlook in the coming months, it has been found.

A poll carried out by networking organisation CIO Connect revealed that 71 per cent of IT professionals are fairly or very optimistic about the wider business picture, compared to 19 per cent who are neutral and ten per cent who are pessimistic.

However, the survey also found that CIOs are realistic about the challenges which face them in the future, as 65 per cent predict that future business requirements will change faster than they can be implemented, which could lead to more IT jobs being created.

'As a result of this fast changing pace, 53 per cent also saw a growing role for 'intuition' decision-making over detailed analysis in future IT planning,' the organisation commented.

This month, IT industry analyst Gartner said that companies are increasingly looking for CIOs with entrepreneurial traits such as risk-taking, vision and persuasiveness.

Google hack 'highlights security concerns'

The recent attempted hacking attack on Google shows the continued need for IT security consultants and other protective measures, an expert has argued.

Last week, the search engine's blog revealed that the organisation's IT infrastructure was subjected to a 'highly sophisticated' attack, while around 20 other firms were targeted in a similar way.

In addition, users of the group's Gmail service experienced a phishing attempt to gather their personal details and gain access to their messages.

Commenting on the incident, Amichai Shulman, chief technology officer at IT services provider Imperva, claimed that it shows security breaches remain a pressing concern for businesses.

'People are still falling for the simplest tricks in the book. Send them an email with the right content in the 'to' field and a compelling text and they'll do anything - including disclosing their password and installing malware,' he said.

Mr Shulman explained that companies can avoid risks by employing external security consultants or implementing strict security policies which prevent workers from falling for phishing campaigns.

VoIP 'is useful for small companies'

Small to medium-sized businesses can reap rewards when they deploy IP telephony technology, it has been claimed, which may boost the need for VoIP consultants.

According to VoIP provider voxclever, small firms should be attracted to the communications technology because it offers them more features than traditional landlines at a lower cost.

Scott Goodwin, chief executive of the organisation, said: 'The use of VoIP for business purposes provides a multitude of benefits, including a huge financial one.'

He pointed out that the technology reduces the amount small business need to invest in their IT infrastructure, allows them to avoid high monthly fees and provides them with cheaper call charges, which could prove to be especially attractive during the economic downturn.

In addition, the organisation noted that VoIP require less maintenance than traditional landline phones, as well as being easier to install and operate for new users.

George van Horn, a senior analyst at market research company IBISWorld, recently claimed that the cost-savings and extra features that VoIP provides will mean the technology is popular with companies in the future.

Businesses 'lack software testing skills'

IT companies should increase their investment in software testing, new research has suggested.

A poll of IT professionals conducted by software quality assurance firm Sogeti found that 73 per cent believe there is a shortage of testing skills in Britain, which may interest those looking for new software consultant jobs.

The survey also found that more than half of respondents think their company does not spend enough on software testing, despite having to develop increasingly complex applications in shorter timeframes.

Richard Terry, deputy chief executive of Sogeti UK, said: 'Software testers and developers are painfully aware of the need to thoroughly test applications before they are unleashed on consumers or business users.'

He added that managers need to allocate enough time, budget and manpower to software testing in order to meet these concerns, which could create new IT jobs.

Earlier this month, digital agency Design UK reminded companies to ensure their websites are engaging and hold customers' attentions.

Firms 'to change how they use IT'

The role of IT jobs is likely to change in the coming years, IT industry analyst Gartner has suggested.

According to the group, 20 per cent of companies will not own any IT assets by 2012, as they move towards using cloud-enabled services, virtualisation and allowing workers to use personal devices on corporate networks.

The organisation predicted that as firms decrease the amount of hardware they own, those in IT jobs will have to be reskilled to meet new requirements, while technology budgets will be redistributed to more strategic projects than computer purchasing.

It also claimed that by 2014 most IT projects will involve carbon remediation elements such as server virtualisation and desktop power management, while PCs themselves will become increasingly environmentally friendly.

Brian Gammage, vice president and research fellow at Gartner, commented: 'As organisations make plans to navigate the economic recovery and prepare for the return to growth, our predictions for 2010 focus on the impact of critical changes in the balance of control and power in IT.'

A recent study by BT Global Services found that one-quarter of business leaders believe that underinvestment in IT has damaged the performance of their organisation.

Interviews 'need to be based on abilities'

Those applying for new IT jobs should ensure they present their skills and experience in the best possible light to avoid being unfairly judged, it has been suggested.

Steve Williams, head of equality services at employment relations group Acas, said that employers are always expected to consider candidates on their abilities and not other factors.

His comments came after a poll of 227 bosses by Slimming World magazine found that one in four male managers would consider turning an applicant down because of their weight.

The survey also found that one-tenth of respondents have already discriminated against candidates on the basis of their appearance.

Mr Williams said: 'We would always urge employers to judge on skills and abilities alone and not make assumptions.'

Recent research by studentgems.com found that 61 per cent of managing directors believe relevant experience is more important than a university degree when determining a candidate's suitability for a job.

Remote working 'useful for small firms'

More small business need to deploy remote working technologies, it has been claimed, which could create more IT jobs.

Research carried out for Citrix GoToMyPC found that 78 per cent of small firms believed they were prepared to cope with extreme weather conditions, but 58 per cent found themselves negatively affected by the recent winter storms.

The organisation pointed out that this could have been avoided if more companies invested in remote working technologies, as it would allow employees to operate from their homes.

However, the poll found that some firms had invested in IT to insulate themselves from the worst effects of the snow, with one-quarter allowing staff to work remotely and ten per cent holding meetings over the internet.

Andrew Millard, Citrix GoToMyPC's director of e-commerce, commented: 'The weather in the first week of 2010 has had a catastrophic effect on UK businesses. With more snow on the way, now is the time to revisit or put in place business continuity plans.'

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development recently claimed that remote working technology is a good way for IT outsourcing users to continue to operate in extreme weather conditions.

AR applications 'set for strong growth'

Consumers are expected to increase their use of augmented reality (AR) applications in the coming years, which could lead to the creation of software developer jobs.

Last week, a report by Juniper Research claimed that mobile AR application downloads will amount to 400 million per year by 2014, increasing from the one million which were downloaded last year.

The study also suggested that revenues for the applications will be less than $2 million (£1.22 million) in 2010, before growing to $732 million in 2014.

Commenting on the predictions, Kieran Alger, web editor of T3.com, said: 'Business adoption could take a couple of years, as consumers are not fully sold on augmented reality yet, so the risk is still high.'

However, the expert claimed that several early adopters of the technology will emerge in the coming years and help to drive the popularity of the technology.

In addition, Mr Alger described AR as a 'rising star' of the technology sector and pointed out that publications such as Wallpaper's iPhone guide to London and Esquire have covered the benefits of the applications.

IT job changes 'should fit in with life goals'

IT workers thinking about changing jobs should first identify their skills, achievements and goals, it has been recommended.

The Careers Advice Service said that people who want to take control of their future should examine their current situation and be honest about what they wish to change, which could include finding a new IT job.

People should make a note of all their skills to see which jobs they should apply for or to identify any areas which they need extra training in, the organisation added.

The group also said that once people have recognised their needs and skills, they can then move on to applying for new jobs which fit in with them.

Julie Clare, a careers coach at the Careers Advice Service, added: 'It's quite nerve wracking when you start thinking about all the jobs that are out there. Gaining some direction is invaluable.'

Recently, learning and development firm Righttrack Consultancy said continual professional development is important if people are serious about their careers.

Employers 'mainly looking for experience'

Three out of five employers believe that industry experience is more important than a university degree, which may be news for those considering switching IT jobs.

A poll conducted by studentgems.com found that 61 per cent of managing directors prefer to hire a candidate based on their relevant experience than their degree or other qualifications.

In addition, the survey, which quizzed more than 1,500 bosses, showed that 19 per cent of respondents would hire a candidate with two years experience but no qualifications over an inexperienced applicant with a degree.

Sue Harrison, co-founder of studentgems.com, commented: 'With the current economic climate, job vacancies are receiving large amounts of interest and it is becoming more and more competitive.'

Eight per cent of managing directors also admitted that they consider degrees to be 'pointless', given how many candidates hold similar qualifications.

A recent poll conducted by campaign group Keep Britain Working claimed that nine out of ten employers value an applicant's attitude more than the skills they have.

VoIP 'set for good future'

The low cost of VoIP calls makes it likely that use of the technology will continue to grow, which could lead to an increase in the number of IT jobs.

George Van Horn, a senior analyst at IBISWorld, pointed out that IP telephony allows users to make calls at cheaper rates that traditional landline services.

'Similar to emails, geographic distinction between incoming and outgoing calls is not made. Prices are the same from one fixed point to another,' he explained.

Mr Van Horn also said this benefit will drive the continued success of VoIP, as the technology is the new generation of telecommunications and avoids the outdated aspects of landlines.

In addition, the expert said that the features of VoIP will continue to grow in the coming years, which will lead to further growth in usage.

Figures published by IBISWorld claim that VoIP was one of the best performing industries of the last decade, achieving revenue growth of 179,036 per cent between 2002 and 2009.

Skills development 'always important for workers'

Continual professional development is one of the trends employees should follow over the next 12 months, which may help people find new IT jobs.

Learning and development firm Righttrack Consultancy pointed out that many people use the new year as a convenient time to set goals for things they wish to improve and claimed that this should be carried over into their professional lives.

The organisation recommended that employees attempt to improve their skills and qualifications through the development schemes that their company offers, as well as reading material such as corporate newsletters, industry guidance and white papers.

Gemma Middleton, marketing manager at Righttrack, commented: 'Skills development is a powerful people management tool. We believe that learning and development will play a key role in the recovery of the UK economy.'

Recent research carried out by campaign group Keep Britain Working claimed that nine out of ten employers prefer to hire candidates with the right attitude rather than those with the best skill set, which may be encouraging to those thinking of switching IT jobs.

Mobile-based security 'set to increase'

More companies are expected to install security solutions on their mobile devices, it has been predicted, which may increase the number of IT security manager jobs.

The Endpoint Security for Business: Desktops, Laptops & Mobile Devices 2009-2014 report, published by Juniper Research, showed the proportion of corporate devices with protection installed is likely to grow from 5.6 per cent in 2008 to 18.6 per cent in four years' time.

According to the study, the number of business mobile devices, such as laptops and mobile phones, which have a third-party protection will reach 77.7 million by 2014, despite security threats aimed at them failing to reach predicted levels.

Anthony Cox, senior analyst at Juniper Research, claimed 'improvements to the underlying security of the mobile operating system, shorter replacement cycles and concerted efforts by the mobile industry' means the security problems facing desktop computers have not materialised for portable equipment.

Recently, Javier Merchan of security solutions company Panda Security predicted that malware will increase 'exponentially' over the next year as cybercriminals launch new threats such as fake anti-virus programs and banker trojans.

Companies 'attempting to protect data'

Firms are realising the importance of protecting corporate data, which could lead to a boost in IT security jobs.

A study conducted by IT industry analyst IDC found that more businesses are investing in data protection and recovery solutions in order to limit the negative effects of theft, loss or compromise of their corporate information.

The report showed that 55 per cent of respondents have already implemented some form of software or service to back up the information held on corporate computers.

'Firms are now backing up PC data, once a long-forgotten and overlooked information asset. The most prevalent approach is centralised backup software, although legacy approaches still exist,' commented Laura DuBois, programme director of storage software at IDC.

She also predicted that the future could see more companies using measures such as PC management and desktop virtualisation to create greater levels of security within their networks.

InvisiViewmedia.com recently revealed that 98 per cent of employee believe it is important to protect corporate data, but 30 per cent still send confidential information in unsecured emails.

SaaS business analytics 'poised for growth'

The market for business analytics software-as-a service (SaaS) is likely to experience significant growth over the coming five years, it has been predicted.

A report from IT industry analyst IDC claimed that the sector will expand three times faster than the average for the overall business analytics software market, which may lead to an increase in IT jobs.

The organisation suggested that the SaaS business analytics market will experience a compound annual growth rate of 22.4 per cent through to 2013 as an increasing number of companies start to appreciate the benefits the technology can provide.

Brian McDonough, research manager for IDC's business analytics solutions research service, said: 'The business analytics SaaS market is poised for rapid growth as more organisations turn to cloud-based computing and alternative deployment options.'

In addition, the group said that providers will meet the anticipated rise in demand by offering more business analytics software solutions which can be purchased on a subscription basis.

Recently, a survey by Easynet Connect discovered that more small companies are planning to use cloud computing in the coming 12 months.

Malware threats 'set to grow'

IT security consultants will have to deal with a growing amount of malware in 2010, an expert has predicted.

A recent report from Panda Security revealed that 25 million new types of malware were launched in 2009, while only 15 million were identified in the previous 20 years.

Commenting on the findings, spokesman Javier Merchan said that the organisation believes the number of malware threats will increase 'exponentially' during the coming 12 months.

The representative explained that hackers are increasingly motivated by financial gain rather than achieving fame for releasing viruses.

In addition, he pointed out that cloud-based security solutions allow malware to be detected and defeated in a faster time than ever, but noted that this means hackers are launching new versions in response to this.

'Cybercriminals are making more and more samples in order to infect as many users as possible and also to avoid [anti-virus] detections,' Mr Merchan explained.

The Panda Security research also showed trojans that target online banking and payment systems and fake anti-virus programs are among the new forms of malware which were launched in 2009.

Retailers 'need to increase technology use'

Retailers should attempt to make better use of new technology to improve the services they offer their customers, website designers have been told.

David Gruehn, industry solutions director for retail at software giant Microsoft, noted that many companies appreciate the need to have a customer-facing website, but called on them to become more innovative.

Mr Gruehn pointed out that customers are increasingly using the internet and mobile devices in the shop and said retailers should attempt to take advantage of this.

The expert explained that companies will start to use customers' mobile devices to act as personal information kiosks through which they can obtain store maps, read product recommendations and access personalised discount vouchers.

[IT is] one of the biggest things that has caught them off guard and they're now just realising that it is a force to be reckoned with. It's a force than can give you a significant advantage if you figure out a way to tap into it,' he commented.

Last month, a report from the online content specialist Flixmedia.tv claimed that more companies should make use of augmented reality technologies, or over-laying digital information into real world content.

UK jobs market 'sees improving optimism'

There is currently a significant level of optimism about the UK jobs market and economic recovery, an expert has claimed.

Phil Flaxton, chief executive of not-for-profit initiative Work Wise UK, told IT job candidates that there are several signs that employment conditions in Britain are starting to improve.

'There are a lot of organisations who feel that, although we have got a long way to go, we are turning a corner,' he explained.

Mr Flaxton pointed out that the latest unemployment predictions are lower than was previously forecast, with the Trades Union Congress revising its peak estimate from three million people to 2.75 million.

In addition, the expert claimed that the UK is traditionally successful in industries which require innovation, such as the technology sector, and said this is another reason people are becoming more optimistic about the jobs market.

Recent figures from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and professional services provider KPMG showed that the growth of permanent staff appointments has reached its sharpest pace since July 2007.

Candidate's attitude 'important to employers'

A candidate's attitude is one of the attributes which employers are most looking for, research has claimed, which may be good news for those thinking of moving to a new IT job.

The survey, conducted by campaign group Keep Britain Working, quizzed more than 1,000 companies and discovered that nine out of ten would hire a candidate with the right attitude - even if they were competing against someone with a better skills set.

James Reed, founder of the campaign, commented: 'While skills are vital, our research shows that the often neglected area of people's attitude, or mindset, is even more important for success.'

He also pointed out that as the UK attempts to emerge from the recession, further steps need to be taken to ensure that the country's workers have the right mindset and skills to compete in the global economy.

Last week, Keith Dugdale, director of global recruitment at the accountancy company KPMG, told the BBC that UK companies are looking for innovative ways to recruit, such as making more use of flexible working patterns.

Firms 'looking for entrepreneurial CIOs'

Companies are increasingly looking to employ entrepreneurial chief information officers (CIOs), according to new research.

A report published by IT industry analyst Gartner defined an entrepreneurial CIO as an executive who is willing to share the responsibility for high-level risks that create a competitive advantage for the business and lead to higher financial results or market share.

The organisation claimed that one-quarter of firms will employ an entrepreneurial CIO by 2012, as they attempt to maximise their performance in the post-recession economy.

In addition, it claimed that professionals who are able to successfully deliver the required results are those have the right combination of risk-taking, vision and persuasiveness.

Jorge Lopez, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner, commented: 'One of the biggest dilemmas facing organisations as we head toward 2010 is how [chief executives] and CIOs can execute entrepreneurial tasks in the current risk-averse environment.'

Last month, a Gartner report revealed that 62 per cent of chief executives think IT-enabled changes will be a critical part of their organisation's post-recession strategy.

Jobs market 'to improve throughout 2010'

The UK employment market could see recovery by the end of 2010, candidates have said, which may be good news for those considering a new IT job.

A poll of 1,226 people conducted by CV guidance firm CV Trumpet found that almost half expected to see the jobs market bounce back before the close of the year, compared to five per cent who think it will take until 2013 or later.

In addition, the survey showed that just 36 per cent believe finding a job in 2010 will be more difficult than last year. This is an improvement on the 72 per cent who thought it was harder to find employment in 2009 than the year before.

Robert Odhams, founder of CV Trumpet, commented: 'Our research has revealed a distinct level of optimism regarding the job market next year.'

Last month, IT industry analyst IDC claimed that ultra-fast broadband, businesses moving to online services and the increasing use of mobile devices will help to improve the recovery of the UK's telecommunications and IT industries.

IT outsourcing 'tipped for growth'

New research has predicted that more companies will make use of outsourcing in the coming months, which could be positive news for those looking for IT contractor jobs.

A study published by professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) quizzed 514 outsourcing providers in 50 countries about their predictions for the future.

The report showed that companies believe the demand for their services is expected to grow in areas such as IT, business process management and contact centres and are adding staff to meet the expected need.

In addition, the research claimed that there has been an increase in the popularity of near-sourcing, or using providers which are based close to them.

Dr Charles Aird, managing director of PwC, commented: 'Growing competition has transformed the outsourcing industry into a global race for market share.'

Last year's Advisor and Business/IT Service Provider Pulse Survey from EquaTerra revealed that 75 per cent of IT outsourcing providers experienced growth in the new deal pipeline.

Govt invests £1bn in superfast broadband

The government has unveiled a £1 billion investment to increase access to superfast broadband across the UK.

Business secretary Lord Mandelson said that part of the new Next Generation Fund will be used to boost internet provision in rural communities and hard-to-reach areas.

The investment will allow up to 90 per cent of the country to have access to superfast broadband. Previous estimates had suggested that just 70 per cent would be covered by 2017 if private funding was relied on.

Lord Mandelson pointed out that half of the UK is benefitting from internet speeds of 50 Mbps and said the new fund will ensure that no areas are left behind.

'We cannot underestimate the opportunities this will bring for homes and businesses, which is why we are taking action to make sure everyone benefits,' he added.

Last month, BT chief executive Ian Livingston confirmed that the company's £1.5 billion fibre-optic network will be rolled out in time for 2012 London Olympic Games.

Small firms 'lack cloud security knowledge'

Small companies are increasingly turning to cloud computing but could be failing to make adequate safety precautions, IT security administrators have heard.

A poll carried out by Easynet Connect showed small firms are realising the advantages that the technology can create, with the proportion understanding that it can lead to cost savings growing from 35 per cent to 51 per cent over the last 12 months.

In addition, 43 per cent of businesses know that cloud computing is a good way to enable remote and home working, increasing from 35 per cent in 2008.

However, the survey revealed that 85 per cent of companies intending to deploy cloud computing will not improve their security precautions and over 80 per cent have not yet created a formal plan for its implementation.

Easynet Connect managing director Chris Stening commented: 'We find it worrying that the vast majority of companies aren't taking basic measures to prepare themselves for such a significant shift in their business operations, such as creating a formal migration strategy [and] increasing security.'

BT Global Services recently claimed that the eventual economic recovery will lead to more firms using cloud computing, which could create IT jobs.

More firms 'to deploy virtualisation in 2010'

Businesses will move towards virtualisation technologies in the next 12 months as the benefits become apparent, which may be goods news for those considering new virtualisation architect jobs.

A recent survey by VMware showed that 71 per cent of companies think the amount of time spent on routine administration can be cut through using virtualisation and 68 per cent say flexibility can be boosted by the technology.

Neil Barton, director of web services provider Hostway, said that hosted server virtualisation is likely to be one of the main IT trends in the next year.

He explained that this approach does not need companies to completely overhaul their IT architecture when deploying it, offering an easy way to start using the technology.

'This will allow systems to become both leaner and more resilient, without breaking the bank or requiring a significant investment in time or training from the in-house team,' he added.

Omar Sultan, a Cisco senior solutions manager, recently told Processor that an increasing number of firms are understanding how virtualisation can help them and are growing more comfortable with the technology.