Recession-proof jobs: Software design, network administration, IT security

12/03/08

The 25 most recession-proof jobs include several technology-focused career paths, such as software design and development, networking and systems administration, and IT security specialists.

IT sector adds jobs despite economic turmoil

11/19/08

Surprising new findings from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the IT profession may be in far better shape than the job market as a whole.

Microsoft prepares new virtualization certifications

11/12/08

Microsoft is ramping up a new line of virtualization certifications to go hand-in-hand with its release of the Hyper-V server virtualization technology.

Bank mergers fuel demand for IT pros

11/05/08

While the economy goes in the tank, there might be at least one bright spot for IT pros: all those bank mergers and acquisitionsare creating demand for technology workers who can help post-merger companies smoothly integrate IT operations. That's what IT staffing firm Sapphire Technologies has found. Hundreds of new IT jobs at post-merger financial institutions are available, says Matt Colarusso, branch manager for Sapphire's national recruiting. "You don't normally see them all come out at once like that," he says of the new rash of job listings.

Cisco ready to launch expert-level wireless credential

10/29/08

Cisco is getting ready to launch its expert-level wireless certification and is looking for beta testers.

Economic crisis fuels job concerns

10/22/08

The economic crisis seems to be getting worse by the week. Should IT pros be worried about getting laid off? The possibility certainly exists, especially in the financial sector, but some job market observers say there have not been widespread impacts on IT workers so far.

Cisco launches first-ever authorized CCIE training program

10/15/08

Cisco is unveiling a new learning program for the CCIE Routing and Switching exam, saying that third-party boot camps designed to prepare candidates for the exam are not always up to par.

New IT certification tackles software security

10/08/08

(ISC)2, caretaker of the well-known CISSP security designation, has developed a new certification that tackles a big issue: development of secure software.

How to find a job after getting laid off

10/01/08

Layoffs seem to be coming fast and furious these days, with thousands of jobs expected to be lost at companies like Lehman Bros. and Merrill Lynch. At HP alone, 24,600 layoffs are in the cards.

The fastest-growing hot spots for tech jobs

09/24/08

Tech job listings are on the rise in some previously overlooked metro areas.

Which IT skills are most in demand?

09/17/08

SAP skills are continuing their meteoric rise in value, but the latest research shows numerous other skills boosting the paychecks of IT workers.

IT pros with virtualization skills in high demand

09/10/08

Virtualization skills are a hot commodity these days. An IT pro who knows the ins and outs or server or storage virtualization can expect plenty of interest from prospective employers.

Don't be fooled by suspicious test preparation Web sites

09/03/08

A lawsuit filed by Microsoft against a test-preparation Web site illustrates the risks of certification exam cheating, even if it is done unknowingly.

Database administrators in high demand

08/27/08

Computer scientists and database administrators are in high demand, according to a new report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These IT pros can expect relatively high pay and job growth in coming years, the report says.

Has offshoring harmed U.S. IT workers? One researcher says 'no'

08/20/08

The word "offshoring" might send shivers down the spine of IT pros who are unemployed or fearful of losing their jobs. But how much impact does offshoring - the outsourcing of IT functions to foreign countries - really have on employment prospects in the United States? Despite alarming forecasts from some analyst firms, one new study concludes that the impact is minimal.

Are you ready to become a Microsoft Master?

08/13/08

Microsoft's new Master-level certifications are pricey and time-consuming, but could result in new career opportunities.

Networking skills gap presents opportunity to IT workers

08/06/08

IDC is reporting that a huge networking skills gap is proving troublesome to enterprises - but presents a huge opportunity for IT professionals.

Cisco takes fight against cheaters to new level

07/30/08

Cisco's fight against cheaters is entering a new phase, with photo identification requirements and a data forensics program similar to the one announced by Microsoft. Pilot programs using the new detection methods have already uncovered 1,400 suspected cheaters, according to Cisco.

These tech skills are recession-proof

07/23/08

Back in April we discussed research that found IT job security was dropping five times faster than the national average. But there's some new research that shows a rosier view, with numerous technology skills being labeled as "recession-proof."

Cisco expands CCNA with new security, voice and wireless certifications

07/16/08

Cisco has unveiled a new Web site designed for collaboration among IT pros and added three new concentrations to the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) line of exams.

Microsoft cracks down on certification exam cheating

07/09/08

Microsoft is tackling certification exam cheating in a big way, with harsher penalties and a data forensics program that can find cheaters through statistical analysis of their exams.

Cisco unveils practical CCDE exam

07/02/08

At the beginning of this year, Cisco launched the written test for its Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) program, which lets IT pros demonstrate expertise in network infrastructure design principles and fundamental concepts.

Is a CPA worth getting for technology pros?

06/25/08

IT pros hear all the time about the importance of having both business and technology skills. But few people, perhaps, have taken this ideal to heart more than Ron Box, who is the CFO and CIO of Joe Money Machinery in Birmingham, Ala.

IT pros willing to take a 10% pay cut if allowed to telecommute

06/18/08

Four-dollar gas prices have a way of influencing people's priorities. A sizable number of tech professionals now want to work at home - and they're even willing to give up salary in exchange for not driving to work.

Salary boost for getting CISSP, related certs

06/11/08

A $21,000 boost in salary can be yours if you obtain a CISSP or two other major security certifications, according to another study showing just how important security skills have become for getting ahead in the IT field.

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Jon Brodkin is senior writer at Network World.