5 critical IT functions with a rise in demand

From cloud computing to IT support, many businesses are in need of these functions (Shutterstcok.com)

Wherever you turn, the word in the work environment is tech. Whether it's corporates or government agencies, every business needs these following IT functions.

Generally speaking, IT professionals have had it good in the job market. Tech is taking over the world of many manual jobs and hundreds of companies are hunting for job candidates with IT skills. As we speak, there are over 8 000 IT vacancies on Careers24, and the list keeps growing. However, while the demand for IT professionals is increasing, demand for niche skills is high, and driving up salaries in these positions.

So if you’re considering switching careers or interested where tech is right now, the following functions are where you need to keep your eyes glued:

1. Enterprise Resource Planning

Enterprise resource planning, which is also known as ERP, generally deals with automating and integrating key parts of a company’s functions – which many may assume deals to a large extent with the management of software systems. But beyond that, the ERP function is about understanding how managing the business and understanding how the technology supports the job.  

To get the job done you’ll need to be a master of many trades, and hold your own. This will require using your expertise and character to explain to top management what works and what doesn’t in operational processes and how to improve the areas where technology fits in.

2. Cloud computing

As more and more businesses do more in the cloud, hiring techies with the knowledge of moving enterprise systems and applications to the cloud has become in demand in many businesses. Because people with these skills are still so rare, the competition for top talent is heating up and in turn, salaries are driven up.

See all cloud computing short courses here.

3. Data Centre Management

With the move from data centres to private clouds, businesses need people who can manage the data centres that support theses setups. Companies selling these cloud services are also in need of skilled IT professionals to manage these centres.

4. Business Intelligence/analytics

Whether it’s the public or private sector, large multinationals or start-up tech businesses, every organisation is using data to drive business decisions. And with data playing such a pivotal role in every business, IT professionals who specialise in BI and analytics are high in demand.

5. Application development

Mobile penetration in South Africa is growing at an unparalleled rate, and to meet this growth in mobile use, businesses in every sector require app developers to build back-end software and also help with customer-facing apps. Unsurprisingly, companies are willing to pay a premium price for IT professionals with proven skills in mobile development.

Read: Meet Halatedzi Matidza, Android Developer

So now that you’re in on what’s going on in the tech industry, if you’re looking for a new job in IT, take a look at these current IT vacancies.