Companies seek professionals who have hands-on experience with new and evolving technologies such as Windows 7, cloud computing, .NET 4.0, VMware, and mobile application development.

Requirements for certain IT positions vary across industries and regions, but firms are seeking the following types of candidates:

Systems and Networking Engineers

Professionals who are experts in cloud computing, Software as a Service, or virtualization are in demand. Those with combined skills in server, software, and networking are most sought after.

Developers

Those skilled in .NET Java, PHP, Silverlight, Flex, MySQL, and portal technologies, such as SharePoint, are in demand.

Quality Assurance Professionals and Business Analysts

With more dollars available for IT projects, managers focus on quality control and assembling more accurate project requirements. Quality assurance professionals can relieve developers so they can focus on coding, while business analysts can help build trust among stakeholders and serve as go-betweens for technology and business.

Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence Professionals

Firms need immediate information that can help them move their business in the right direction. That’s why they seek business intelligence and data warehousing professionals who can gather increasing amounts of data from various streams.

Security Professionals

Data security and protection, especially in industries such as banking and healthcare, will continue to be an in-demand area within technology. In fact, 24 percent of ClOs polled by our firm cited security as their top professional concern.

In addition to specific job-related skills and capabilities, the following credentials are in demand:

• Cisco certifications — Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
• Linux certifications — Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
• Microsoft certifications — Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)
• Project management certifications — Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Security certifications — Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) and Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE)
• VMware certification — VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

Reprinted with permission from the Robert Half Technology 2012 Salary Guide.

To support this outstanding opportunity for career development, we built a Business Architect training program that provides the knowledge and skills required to help perform business analysis and business process consulting. This will enable partners to:

• clearly articulate the business relevancy of Cisco’s architectural solutions and differentiate that solution from the competition
• uncover opportunities for their clients to gain a winning edge
• transform the traditional AM into a trusted consulting resource
• elevate the engagement level with end customers

Special Limited-Time Offer — Cisco will pay 70% of the training cost

Through June 15, Cisco will fund 70% of the cost for the Business Architect Track for one individual at each Gold, Silver, and Premier partner company. Take advantage of this exceptional offer by registering immediately at www.cisco.com/go/businessarchitect (Login using your existing Cisco CCO ID & password)

To speak to a Global Knowledge representative, contact us at 1–888-326‑6508.