Security, Web services and Linux jobs continue to dominate the IT help wanted ads and are projected to remain among the hottest skill and certification areas in 2005, according to research firms that specialize in tracking skills and certifications. Researchers said companies continue to invest in security-related projects while looking to eliminate aging legacy systems, and are exploring less expensive, newer platforms such as Linux.


A small drop off in offshore outsourcing projects and an increase in competition for IT consulting talent have contributed to a reversal in declining premium pay tied to IT skills, said David Foote, president and chief research officer for Foote Partners LLC, a New Canaan, Conn., research firm that specializes in tracking skills and certifications.

"There is a re-emergence of talent wars, but on a smaller scale than in the past, according to our research," Foote said. "This is an indication that offshore outsourcing will no longer be the dominant theme in IT employment trends."

Security certifications top the list for a second year in a row. Sarbanes-Oxley and other regulations on data in the health care and financial services industries continue to drive the trend, Foote said.

Having a niche certification also continues to be desirable, Foote said. For example, IT personnel with intrusion detection skills are highly desired.

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