[NTLUG:Discuss] Hi, all

[bryn konti]

--- Christopher Baker <chris at chrisbaker.net> wrote:
>
> 
> I'm not sure what will happen by then. The glamour
> to working in IT is
> gone, and I'm not sure we will ever get that back.
> _Information Week_
> reported that from January 2001 to January 2002,
> almost 10% of IT
> workers got out. I have a feeling this number will
> be even worse for
> 2002.

The IT industry mirrors the economy as a whole since
very few businesses run without any computer
technology.  When the economy corrects itself there
will be a demand for IT workers. In addition, computer
technology is itself entering a paradigm shift which
is catching everyone off guard. The poor state of the
economy is forcing businesses to innovate in order to
survive... this is just the opportunity that Linux
needs.  With new technology and innovations there will
be a need for people who understand them. There is no
doubt in my mind that Linux is becoming a key player
in that stategy to innovate and change business for
the better.


> 
> I have certainly done what I can to discourage
> college students from
> going into this.

I wouldn't discourage people who have a genuine
interest in computers from entering this business; I
would encourage it.  Business on the whole is not
doing good and most every business depends on
computers to run efficiently.  When  business picks up
so will the demand for IT workers...and what other
career other than IT allows you to work from virtually
anywhere in nearly every business imaginable?
> 
> I don't know much about Linux certifications. I do
> know that Microsoft
> certification is a complete waste of time and money.
> A lot of people
> seem to be figuring this one out, as the whole
> training industry has
> been really taking a beating.

Training is still an important part of getting IT
employees up to speed on new technology..... I would
say certifications are not a complete waste.
Certifications and degrees aren't the end all be all
and they don't in any real way prove superior learning
or proficiency over those who do not have them; 
however Certs and degrees should at least convey a
certain amount of competency.  Learning and
understanding MS software is still important if only
because Windows is the most dominant OS on the planet.
 Additionally, promoting Linux would be impossible
without a clear understanding about it's closest
rival's strengths and weaknesses.  MS and Intel are
losing the struggle to maintain their monopoly status
in the world and in the end MS certifications will
become less and less valuable. In the meantime, I
wouldn't dare underestimate Micorsoft's abilty to
continue to dominate for a long time to come


Cheers,

Bryn

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Y! Web Hosting - Let the expert host your web site
http://webhosting.yahoo.com/