More opportunities for Web 2.0 workers

Enterprises are now expecting IT pros to leverage technologies such as blogs, social networks, mashups, wikis and RSS.

While Web 1.0 is set to be part of the digital landscape for a long while, the market has clearly shifted to Web 2.0 methods of interfacing with the users who, using the latest technologies, have much more control over the general flow of data.

The number of companies calling on Web 2.0 technologies to address problems facing their information systems is on the rise and IT workers should act accordingly by offering at least part of the skill set that the job market requires.

To date, most IT departments have resisted Web 2.0 tools, viewing them more as consumer-grade solutions which represent less interest than their other investments but 2008 might be the year all that could change.

According to Robert Half Technology, CIOs anticipate a 15% increase this year in the need for IT workers with Web 2.0 application development skills.

Web 2.0 technologies deliver considerable value for the money they cost so it’s no surprise that more businesses turn to “profoundly user-centric” methods of conveying “the right data to the right people”, in a way end-users are most likely to appreciate.

Enterprise inroads for Web 2.0 skills might first occur where information worker problems remain unresolved, such as help desk ticket resolution, IT project management, document tracking and email.

Also, wherever knowledge workers abound, expect IT departments to be hunting for talent capable of adding value to the company through the smart implementation of blogs, wikis and even RSS feeds.

Tags: web 2.0, blogs, social networking, mashups, wikis, rss, it, jobs, hiring