Briefs

The recovery in IT spending is underway, with a solid return to growth expected in 2004 and 2005, according to tech research firm Gartner.

But the data also show that, while "strong single-digit growth over 2003 levels" is expected, growth rates will vary widely by technology sector. Also pacing the recovery, Gartner added, will be a "tremendous skills shift within the IT workforce, impacting hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of workers."

According to Gartner, areas in which skills will be most highly-valued include broadband, wireless, Linux, content management, real-time analytics, data mining, security, middleware, certification skills, business intelligence and knowledge management.