Information technology professionals predict that mobile and cloud computing will emerge as the most in-demand platforms for software application development and IT delivery over the next five years, according to a new survey released by IBM.
Findings from the same research, which surveyed 2,000 IT developers and specialists across 87 countries found that more than half of all IT professionals – 55% – expect mobile software application development for devices such as iPhone and Android, and even tablet PCs, will surpass application development on all other traditional computing platforms by 2015.
IBM said that 91% of those quizzed have anticipated cloud computing will overtake on-premise computing as the primary way organisations acquire IT over the next five years.
Respondents have cited mobile and cloud computing, followed by social media, business analytics and industry-specific technologies as the hottest IT career opportunities beginning in 2011.
90% believe it is important to possess vertical industry-specific skills for their jobs, yet 63% admit they are lacking the industry knowledge needed to remain competitive.
Respondents have identified Telecommunications, financial services, healthcare, and energy and utilities rank as the top four industries as having the greatest opportunity to expand their careers.
IBM Independent Software Vendors and Developer Relations general manager Jim Corgel said, to best understand where enterprise technology is headed, one must pay attention to those who have a pulse on market demands – the developers and IT specialists responding to these demands and creating the next generation of business applications.
"These survey results clearly demonstrate that IT professionals see a combination of disruptive technologies and industry-specific skills as key to driving near-term business growth," Corgel said.
