IBM fuels innovation for IT talent

Asia - IBM recently developed a new programme to help students from more than 2,100 institutions in Asia meet the global software talent shortage.

Monster.com once reported that 1.5 million skilled IT experts will be needed by 2012. This is a trend that is fueling major opportunities for innovation and career growth for IT students especially in India, China and Southeast Asia.

However, a December Springboard 2007 Research reported that there is a talent gap in areas such as software development, ERP, solution architecture, service oriented architecture (SOA) and other industry-specific applications in Asia Pacific.

To meet this demand, IBM will be offering 22 different certifications in the emerging technology job areas such as architecture management, change and release management, process and portfolio management and quality management. Certified students will possess the knowledge and skills needed to innovate around open-standards and collaborative technologies.

Jim Corgel, general manger of IBM's ISV and Developer Relations said: "In Asian countries such as Vietnam, the IT industry is anticipating to be a key driver of the local economy. By expanding this program to the region, we are developing a loyal community of highly skilled certified professionals who continue to innovate around open standards and collaborative technologies."

IBM will also be rendering a discounted rate of $30 for 25 web-based examinations for students across the four countries.