Today the Irish Computer Society released results of its survey based on the current state of the IT industry in Ireland. The online survey, conducted by the Irish Computer Society, was distributed among the Society’s member base.

Over 200 senior Irish IT managers and executives completed the questionnaire, which revealed the encouraging news that 47% of companies will maintain their current levels of IT staff over the coming 12 months. 

Although 51% of companies stated that IT budgets and spending will be reduced when compared with 2009. 42% of companies will be making reductions through contractor salaries. The vast majority of Irish companies allocated less than 10 per cent of their overall annual budget to IT projects and maintenance, while almost a third kept their IT budgets below €100,000.

However at the other end of the scale, a quarter of respondents had an IT budget of over €1 million in 2009, while 15% of budgets were more then €3 million.

IT security, cloud computing and social networking projects will all see an increase in funding in 2010, according to the survey. Data storage, network infrastructure and server hardware should also see new orders generated.

Those surveyed understand the need to keep their skills current and to learn new skills with 55% interested in up-skilling and continued learning through events organised by the ICS.  

We can also reveal that these IT professional are happy in their chosen profession, with 89% stating they would recommend a career in IT to a friend.  

“We acknowledge and commend the fact that so many Irish companies continue to remember the importance of IT through these tough times.  IT development is essential to the success of the “smart economy”.  About a third of ICS members will be investigating cloud technology in 2010, in its various forms –platform, infrastructure and software as a service.  The “Smart Economy” has the potential to create up to 25,000 new jobs – as well as enabling entrepreneurs to set up world-class businesses in any part of Ireland. This is something we must be ready for," said Jim Friars, CEO Irish Computer Society.

The survey was conducted in December 2009. A quarter of those surveyed were IT managers in public sector bodies