Unified process skills are the most sought-after software development skills, according to global professional services group Valtech.
Valtech, which offers corporate training in advanced software technologies, this week released rankings of the most sought-after software development skills, based on global demand for the company`s skills transfer classes.
According to the report, unified process and unified modelling language (including object-oriented analysis and design) are the most popular development skills, with integration technologies (including Web services, XML and portals) climbing fast.
Valtech says the other most requested software development skills are basic object-oriented programming languages (Java, C++), J2EE/EJB and WebSphere, WebLogic and Microsoft .Net (including C# and VB.Net).
"Our clients don`t have a staffing problem - they have a skills gap that must be bridged to meet technical demands," says Curtis Hite, president of Valtech. "Many companies have downsized, but the quality and productivity of their staff must be higher to meet demands. Schedules and milestones are achievable with existing staff if they have the 'right` skills."
He says there has been a significant shift in demand from syntax to design. "While the basic mechanics are always important, understanding the underlying principles of software design and architecture may have long-term consequences - both positive and negative - to software design and architecture, which most often directly affects a company`s fundamental business."
While the core demand for analysis and design and Java/J2EE has remained consistent, there has been a surge in demand for .Net and Web services-related technologies (such as XML, SOAP, WSDL and UDDI).
Valtech has seen an increase in demand for integration technologies, including Web services. "With Web services, companies will be able to make technological modifications simply and easily, integrating them into their existing business operations almost instantly," says Brad Murphy, senior VP of Valtech.
"The hype surrounding Web services as a lower cost way to integrate systems and deliver software over the Web is well understood," says Hite. "But many organisations have missed the bigger story, namely, how Web services can be used to rapidly transform existing systems to support the launch of new products, services and business processes critical to competing in today`s changing markets - markets that now measure change in weeks and months, not years."
Valtech says the unified process has emerged as the de facto industry-standard software development process. It combines widely accepted best practices and values in development process, is cohesive and well-documented, incorporates the popular practices of use cases and object modelling, and enjoys the support of many leading methodologists.
Local IT recruiting companies said recently that skills most in demand on the SA market included highly specialised skills such as Java architects, .Net and certain specialist SAP areas.
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