Overcoming the Skills Gap the Focus of ISG Presentation at All Day DevOps

Rhea-AI Summary

Enterprises face a talent shortage in vital IT areas, according to an expert from Information Services Group (III). During the All Day DevOps conference, Ola Chowning discussed a three-pronged strategy to address skill gaps in data intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development. Chowning emphasized leveraging service provider ecosystems, investing in workforce retention, and compensating skilled but less experienced workers. The ongoing labor shortage has intensified the need for both generalist and specialized skills, driven by rapid technological advancement and the pandemic's impact on digital transformation.

Positive

• Implementation of a three-pronged strategy for skill gap resolution.
• Focus on vital areas like data intelligence and cybersecurity.
• Opportunities for growth in FinTech, MarTech, and MedTech sectors.

Negative

• Significant skill gaps in key IT areas like software development and operations.
• Labor shortage exacerbated by the ongoing 'great resignation' of 2021.

Session today will explore the hard and soft technology skills in highest demand

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Enterprises should seek support from experienced service providers, invest in training and consider overlooked professionals to help overcome a skills gap in a range of important IT areas, says an expert with Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), leading global technology research and advisory firm.

Ola Chowning, partner, ISG Digital Strategy and Solutions, will review her three-pronged strategy to combat talent shortages in the most in-demand IT areas during a 30-minute online presentation, “Skill Shift 2021 - From Deep to Wide, Hard to Soft,” today at 4 p.m., U.S. Eastern Time, as part of the All Day DevOps conference. This is Chowning’s fourth consecutive appearance at the annual event, the largest of its kind in the industry.

“New technology has always triggered some form of skill shortage, but in the past, fewer choices and fewer solutions allowed us to follow a linear path to technology maturity,” Chowning said. “Today, newer technologies emerge in pockets, resulting in more complex environments and requiring multiple skills. Enterprises need to add, rather than replace, skills and employees, as the need for heritage skills doesn’t abate quickly or even at all.”

Chowning said the biggest skill gaps are currently in data and applied intelligence, cybersecurity, modern architecture and operations and modern software development. Skill premiums are emerging in functions and industries that are rapidly deploying technology as a cornerstone of the business model, such as FinTech, MarTech, MedTech and more.

“Organizations should address skill gaps with a three-prong strategy,” she said. “Leverage new and existing service provider ecosystems to cover skills that will be scarce in both the short- and longer-term; invest heavily in skills development and retention of the current workforce and, when needed, be prepared to pay top dollar for lower-experienced but skilled workers in unique areas.”

Chowning notes the labor shortage and the so-called "great resignation of 2021" has created a perfect storm of need outpacing capacity. “Generalists are in high demand, yet specialization remains important,” she said.

“Today’s gaps are a result of the growing velocity in emerging technologies, an under-investment in skills development and a pandemic-fueled explosion of companies scrambling to modernize their environments and transform to digital- and data-led operations,” Chowning said. “While top tech skills are in demand, strong relational—or soft—skills will always make candidates stand out.”

The sixth annual All Day DevOps 24-hour live stream event started at 3 a.m., U.S. Eastern Time, today. The conference features 180 practitioner-led sessions, across six tracks: CI/CD Continuous Everything; Modern Infrastructure; DevSecOps; Cultural Transformations, Site Reliability Engineering and Government. Registration and information are available on the event website.

About ISG

ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 700 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,300 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For more information, visit www.isg-one.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211028005916/en/

Will Thoretz, ISG

+1 203 517 3119

will.thoretz@isg-one.com

Erik Arvidson, Matter Communications for ISG

+1 978 518 4542

isg@matternow.com

Source: Information Services Group, Inc.

FAQ

What is the strategy discussed by ISG regarding skill gaps?

ISG's strategy involves leveraging service provider ecosystems, investing in workforce retention, and hiring skilled but less experienced workers.

What are the main skill gaps identified by ISG?

The main skill gaps are in data and applied intelligence, cybersecurity, and modern software development.

How is the labor shortage affecting IT skill demand?

The labor shortage has created a high demand for both generalists and specialists in the IT field.

What industries are seeing skill premiums due to technology deployments?

Industries like FinTech, MarTech, and MedTech are experiencing skill premiums as technology becomes central to their business models.

When was the All Day DevOps conference held?

The All Day DevOps conference started on October 28, 2021, at 3 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time.