Finally….

It usually takes a compelling event to get people to act on intiatives that otherwise make perfect sense; but when there is no proverbial “kick in the pants” these good ideas sit on the sideline until people are forced to look at them and realize their value.  I am talking about getting our act together around implementing good, consistent, repeatable IT process and implementing enterprise architecture.  The “kick in the pants” this time is the economy.  Lean budgets, hiring freezes and staff downsizing has caused IT organizations to look to process improvement as a way of becoming more efficient.  I wrote about this at the beginning of the year on ITSMWATCH.COM as the year of doing more with less (http://www.itsmwatch.com/itil/article.php/3796936) …with ITIL and ITSM as a way of facilitating more efficiency within IT. 

A 2009 study conducted by a research organization that follows trends in IT industry skill demand and pay scale indicates that in general pay for IT professionals has declined for the first time since 2004, but salaries have increased for individuals with skills and certification in IT architecture and methodology/process.   This is the first time there has been a such a counter-trend in specific areas within IT while the rest of the skill set is experiencing a correction.  This is very telling!!!  The study specifically sites skills and certification in ITIL as being in high demand to increase the efficiency of IT through process improvement.  It indicates that IT departments look at this as a good investment (in a time when investing in anything is truly scrutinized) as both a skill that can affect short term results but have long term application. 

Having been practicing, consulting and training in this area for many years, I am truly happy to hear that there is finally a recognition of value to IT process improvement.  The fact that it’s helping to affect a sharp increase the salaries of those who have these skills is just icing on the cake.  Having said this, please jump into the IT process improvement pool wisely.  Don’t let the slash of haphazard “diving” through thoughtless adoption of ITIL put a damper on those of us who would like to see these practices truly change how we manage services in the long run.

Posted by: Valerie Arraj (valerie@cppit.com)