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POSSCON 2013 Tickets Almost Gone!

February 6th, 2013 | Posted by Whitney Williams in World of IT - (0 Comments)

Tickets for the Palmetto Open Source Software Conference  are going quickly! POSSCON will take place at IT-oLogy, 1301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC from March 27-28th. If you’re a Developer, Sys Admin, Engineer or IT Manager of any type and you’re interested in open source, this is a can’t miss event!

If you’re a high school or college student please register right away.  Because student tickets are limited, and we have almost sold out,  we will send you special code if you are chosen to attend.  Please hurry as we are taking people on first-come-first served basis.  A special thanks to Google for making student tickets available for only $10 per day.

POSSCON is considerably more technical this year and will once again feature some of the best speakers and biggest open source companies in the world.  If you’re looking for a world-class educational opportunity, and an opportunity to meet the people you would otherwise read about, register now! http://posscon.org/get-registered/ 

Just a few of the technologies covered will include:

Drupal, Linux, Cloud Computing, MySQL, FreeNAS 8.3, Javascript, KVM (Virtulaization), Node.js, Configuration Management, Licensing, PHP, Open Identity, Version Control/Git/GitHub, backbone.js, CSS3, Riak, Debugging, Django/Python, Caching & Tuning, LibreOffice, MongoDB, Filesystems (ext4, etc.), Clojure, Ruby, Debian, OpenShift, mobile development with backbone.js and Grunt, Security, Groovy 2.0, and many more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our speakers will again be among the best in the world.  Speakers from 6 countries will attend and participate – Italy, Japan, Belgium, England, Australia and the U.S.

 

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IT Jobs Series: Information Technology Management

November 12th, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Promote IT - (0 Comments)

In this last segment in our IT Jobs Series we will delve into the Information Systems cluster. In this group professionals compare business practices with technical skills. Hands-on skills and business expertise are needed in this field, as well as a high school, associates, four-year, or graduate degree.

In Information Technology Management, one can directly impact how successful a company will be, regardless of funds or size. Because each venture can be considered a project, time management, teamwork, and self-discipline are important qualities to have in a successful professional. Technical writing skills are also important, as those skills help convey your products to customers. The upper range of jobs in this major require a thorough and first-hand knowledge of business and the ability to converge both business and IT mindsets.

Responsibilities of professionals in IT management include IS administration, project coordination, technical governance, and leadership skills. These don’t only come from traditional education. Sample credentials to help gain these skills include:

  • Project Management Institute Certification (PMI)
  • IT Security Management Certification
  • CIO Designation

Industries like insurance, healthcare, banking, and retail are all impacted by IT. Therefore, the job growth in Information Systems is projected to grow about 18% from 2010 to 2020.

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IT Jobs Series: Digital and Web Communications

November 5th, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Teach IT - (1 Comments)

With the world becoming more digital and web-based, having a substantial web and digital communications plan is becoming crucial for all types of businesses and organizations. Duties within this group include working online and having a working knowledge of Cloud Computing, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and future storage and delivery technologies.

As a company’s primary means of communications online, the responsibilities of someone working in communications are crucial. One should be able to design and produce interactive training presentations, produce digital representations of sales materials, manage e-commerce, and design graphics that can be used on products as well as for online promotion.

Since the web communications job field does not require as much hands-on software development, the credentials and qualifications focus more toward web and media.  Sample credentials include:

  • iGeneration Certified Creative Producer
  • WOW (World Organization of Webmasters) Certified
  • Professional Webmaster
  • Certificate of Webmaster Technology
  • CompTIA I-Net+
  • Associate of Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation
  • Bachelor of Arts in Media

Web and digital communications jobs are expected to grow as ecommerce grows. Jobs in web development are projected to grow 22% by 2020, which is faster than the national average for all occupations. In the age where the latest technologies can open endless doors for businesses, being in a growing technological field can be both promising and rewarding.

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AppAThon: Android Student App Challenge

November 1st, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Promote IT - (0 Comments)

Attention middle school, high school, and college students interested in application development!

IT-oLogy has partnered with the Open IT Lab and the University of South Carolina College of Engineering and Computing to host an Android App Development Contest for all high school, college, post graduate and PhD students. The winning team (consisting of two developers and one artist) will win $1,200, or if it is a group of two (two developers) the prize will be $800!

The contest starts November 3rd, 2012 and closes November 15th. Only students in South Carolina middle schools, high schools, and colleges will be permitted to enter. The development will be on Android platform and in a number of predetermined app categories.

After the contest has closed on Saturday, November 17th, judging, demos, and awards will be presented at an event at IT-oLogy! There will be pizza, snacks, and presentations of demos. Trophies, t-shirts, and prizes will be given away as well, and it is open to the public!

For more information and further contest details head over to the AppAThon website.

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IT Jobs Series: Software Engineering and Development

October 30th, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Promote IT - (2 Comments)

If you are the kind of person who always knows about the latest technologies and software programs, maybe you should consider working in software engineering and development. The name may sound intimidating, but there are extensive opportunities in both the software industry and within organizations across business and industry. The areas can range anywhere from insurance to retail, energy to aerospace, and more.

Because the needs of companies and individuals constantly change, the future for engineers of computer software and application systems seems promising. This major will provide its experts a chance to be creative in how they create products and meet their customers’ needs, while still focusing on IT and technology.

This sector in the IT cluster also allows for variation of employment. Most business-related software is created by teams of architects, designers, analysts, integrators, and software programmers or engineers. However, if working in teams isn’t in your best interest, games-development can be done independently. The opportunity for you to choose how and in what type of environment you work is up to you!

General skill requirements include fundamental programming languages like COBOL and programming techniques like open source software. Management and design skills are also important, especially if one is working on an independent project. The ability to develop new security systems is also considered essential in this field, since hackers and viruses are threats to business systems daily. Including a passion for development, credentials are an important part of getting the job you want within your field. Some software development credentials include:

  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer
  • Sun-Java Developer Certification
  • Associate of Science in Computer Programming
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
  • Master of Science in Software Engineering

Like most IT sectors, the outlook for development is better than the average national outlook. 30% growth from 2010-2009 due to increased demand for new technologies and computer software forecasts even more growth for the future.

Check back early next week for the next IT Jobs post on Web and Digital Communications!

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IT Jobs Series: Information Support and Services

October 22nd, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Promote IT - (0 Comments)

In our first post of our IT Jobs Series, we’ll discuss one of the broadest groups in the IT Career Cluster: Information Support and Services. Experts in this field generally extend their knowledge and expertise to help others figure out their technology. Depending on what field the worker is in one’s day can consist of anything from setting up work desktops in an office to maintaining database security for a large company. The responsibilities for this kind of field are especially important to an average company, since IT support experts are one of the first sources of technological help for companies working on computers (which, when you think about it, adds up to a lot). Sample tasks include: software and hardware training, providing PC support, testing and installing software systems, and integrating multiple databases. If you enjoy personal interaction along with problem-solving and hands-on participation, IT Service may be the right path for you.

It might be easy to know what kind of things you’re good at or interested in, but when it comes to job hunting, credentials and certifications are important to have on one’s resume. Though an Associate degree in Administrative Office Technology or a Bachelor’s degree of Science in Information Technology are both great ways to show your academic studies in the area, they are not one way tickets to a job. IT service management has numerous other ways to show a person’s professional expertise in an area, some of which being:

  • Oracle Certified Professional
  • CompTIAA+ Certification
  • Microsoft Certified Database Administrator
  • Certified Information Security Services Professional (CISSP)

The outlook for IT support is one of the best in the country. More than 216,000 jobs in IT support are expected immediately. Also, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the IT field has a job growth projection of around 35% over the next three years. With annual salary ranges between $30,000 – $100,000 depending on one’s expertise and academic achievements, the IT Service field is one that can provide for personal growth and achievement as well as professional stability.

 

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IT Jobs Series

October 16th, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Promote IT - (0 Comments)

What comes to mind when you hear the words “information technology?” Nerds? Math? Boredom? These are all common misconceptions about a flexible and diverse sector in the job market that can open many doors for its experts. The IT field not only allows those working in it to go into almost any field they choose, but it also allows for innovation, creativity and problem-solving.

As the global economy and marketplace become more technologically dependent, the jobs for those working in that field will grow exponentially — and it’s not just for web developers or graphic designers. Now that we know there will be jobs available, next is to decide what career path in IT would be a good fit for you. Based on a career system aimed at lowering drop out rates, all South Carolina 8th graders choose a career cluster from a group of 16 that they are interested in. In 10th grade students choose a career path within that cluster. In the IT cluster there are five career paths:

  1. Information Support and Services
  2. Software Engineering and Development
  3. Web and Digital Communications
  4. Information Systems
  5. Networking Systems

If it seems like math and science are the only skills you would need for a job in IT, think again. Though knowledge of technology, science and math are generally desired, skills in business, arts, marketing and multimedia are also important to have. These kinds of skills can lead a person into different sectors of IT that allow for creativity, like human resources, administration, graphic design or web development. If a student’s results point to a career in the Information Technology field, there are tons of different positions in varying sectors. Though they are in the same overall cluster, they are completely different.  Through the career cluster program students can change their general clusters or career paths at any time, which provides an opportunity to learn about many different sectors and jobs. Over the next few weeks we will go over each of these specific categories and detail the knowledge and skills required to excel within them. The different sections can produce numerous types of jobs that have varying needs and requirements.

Keep up with the IT Career posts to find out more, and feel free to ask us any questions!

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Students celebrate the middle of summer with Summer Split

July 12th, 2012 | Posted by Whitney Williams in Education | IT-oLogy Defined | Promote IT - (0 Comments)

Summer Split

“I’m a 7th grader. Who would have thought a 7th grader could do this!”

The smile on my face just got bigger when I heard one sweet 7th grader say this today at Summer Split. It was one of those programs we do where I could not stop smiling. There were laughing children, smiling faces, excited eyes. This was a group of 23 middle school students who were so into the IT activities that it was hard to break them away for pizza and banana splits! These students learned how to make their own ethernet cables and program video games. They talked nonstop – asking questions, giving ideas, helping each other.

Today would not have been possible without a few folks I have to mention. First, our volunteers. Without a volunteer army, we cannot run programs. I applaud some key volunteers from SCANA, Pandoodle, USC and JCCT for making today happen.

  • SCANA Volunteers: Jamesetta James, Natasha Wright and Ken Broome
  • Pandoodle: Raghav Badiger
  • JCCT: Joseph Strenk
  • USC Student Curtis Thorne

As much as I want to write about today, though, I should let these awesome kids speak for themselves!

We took some pictures and video on the iPad, and quickly using iMovie, we created a short video highlighting Summer Split. Enjoy!

 

Pictures: check out the Summer Split 2012 Set on Flickr!

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