technology training, and degrees, and jobs/careers

In the latest edition of Network World (March 30-April 6), there are a couple of interesting articles…

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Does a computer science degree matter anymore?

…CIOs and IT staffing firms say the skills they need most are collaboration, problem solving and communications…

…U.S. tech companies say there are still not enough computer scientists and engineers to fill all of their open jobs…tech companies and CIOs often hire computer-savvy business majors instead.

When CIOs are surveyed about the top skills they are looking for in entry-level and mid-level employees, they cite few technical skills. Instead, their top concerns are ethics, critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving and communication skills…The technical skills that are in demand – programming, database and system analysis…

“The things we need are project management experience and business process evaluation. You don’t get those from knowing the applications on your desktop…”

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/040609-hot-tech-skills.html

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Top 10 technology skills

Here’s our list a list of 10 tech skills that are still in demand:
1. Business Process Modeling
“It’s about how does our business work, what are the business processes and how do we analyze them…”

2. Database
…Companies are looking for IT workers with experience in Microsoft SQL Server and the Oracle Developer Suite. They’re also willing to pay for workers with database certifications such as the Oracle DBA Administrator Certified Master and the Teradata Certified Master, Certified Application Developer and Certified Design Architect…
…database skills…among the top skills for entry-level employees…

3. Messaging/Communications
…unified communications and messaging systems, which was among the highest paying IT skills…A related skill that also ranked among the highest paying was VoIP and IP telephony.

4. IT architecture
…enterprise architects as well as system, network, application, data, information and security architects. Among the certifications rising in value are EMC Proven Professional Technology Architect, Security Certified Network Architects, Microsoft Certified Architects, SNIA Certified Architects, and the Open Group’s IT Certified Architect.

5. IT security
A slew of security certifications – including the CompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials, Certified Ethical Hacker, GIAC Certified Incident Handler and Check Point Certified Security Administrator– have increased in value…

6. Project management
The Project Management Professional certification remains in demand…
…Project planning, including budgeting and scheduling, was also cited as well as project integration and management.

7. Data mining
…information on demand, content management and unstructured information management…

8. Web development
…there is still a need for developers who understand the latest Web trends, especially social media.

9. IT optimization
…virtualization and cloud computing…

…certifications from Cisco, SNIA, EMC, Brocade and Avaya.

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/040609-10-tech-skills.html

keep your notebook computer cool

On a Tech Tuesday segment, Andy presented the Cooler Master NotePal X1: a notebook computer support that you place the computer on, and then place the Notepal on your lap. The video is at http://www.techtalkradio.com/koldtv/koldtv.htm, and the article is at http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?s=10143417.

More information on the Notepal X! can be found at http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=2866. Cooler Master has five versions of the Notepal model (the NotePal, NotePal D1, NotePal Infinite, NotePal W1, and the NotePal X1).

motion detection with webcam

During our latest show on Ustream, Andy mentioned he liked the motion detection software that had been available with some Logitech webcams. It’s available, but only as a Windows Vista Gadget…

Motion Detector Gadget
Keep a watchful eye—even when you’re not around. This Gadget acts like a motion detection sonar, triggering a recording whenever it senses movement within the field of view of your QuickCam. Recording stops when the motion stops, and an .AVI file is saved in a location you specify. The videos are even time & date stamped to help you keep track of what happened, when.

Also, take a look at the QuickCapture Gadget:
“…three-in-one Gadget…QuickPicture enables you to take snapshots with a single click; QuickCapture helps you to record, store and email videos; and QuickView shows you a live feed from your Logitech QuickCam. Use the QuickCapture Gadget to compose and preview your video communications, watch remote rooms and hallways in real time, or even create a “security” monitor by setting the time-delay recording function.”

TechtalkRadio broadcast shows from Roadrunner Coffee Company

For the past few weekends, we broadcast from the Roadrunner Coffee Company locations. There are two: one at 8245 North Silverbell Road (520-572-9011), and another at 9669 North Thornydale Road (520-579-7011).

Much thanks to them for their hospitality…we do plan on having more events at their locations.

Money available for startups…

…in Boston and New York. But, it’s available…

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Spark Capital, the venture capital firm behind startups like Twitter, Tumblr and Boxee, has launched a new early-stage investment program called Start@Spark…

Boston and New York based entrepreneurs with companies in media, technology, and entertainment are eligible for the program and can receive up to $250,000 in jump start money.

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We seek applicants who are trying to build large and disruptive companies within our focus area of technology, media, and entertainment. Our investments span the full value chain in this sector, including gaming, technology platforms, mobile, advertising, consumer applications, infrastructure, and hardware. Consider our current portfolio of investments for examples.

Additionally, we will regularly discuss specific themes that particularly excite us on our blog. Some of our current themes include:
* Applications that that leverage open platforms (for example: Android, IPhone, Gaming Consoles, Twitter, and others)
* Next generation personal finance
* Education

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The application is at http://startatspark.com/start/start-apply-wufoo.html

(If you are lucky enough to get one, and are successful, remember you learned about it from us at TechtalkRadio: we also could use some investment…and jobs. Love, S!ick)