Information technology overview

Answer 1

The information technology (IT) market has grown rapidly in the last few years. The formation of a dynamic and ambitious Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) in 1999 gave this sector a visible and much-needed boost. The IT sector is growing at more than 10% annually. MCIT continues to implement its ambitious plans to increase software exports, which reached $150 million in 2003 compared to $50 million in 2000. Other national objectives: train more skilled engineers, support E-government and E-commerce, and increase IT awareness among the population. SERVICES/PRODUCTS * Call Centers * PC Components and Accessories * Hardware * Software Development. OPPORTUNITIESThe call center industry is developing. In September 2003, a large Telecom Egypt call center was inaugurated in the Smart Village technology park near Cairo. The call center area, with Egypt's very low labor costs and large pool of good English speakers, provides for a competent and cost effective labor force which has the potential to generate $200-300 million per year in revenues within five years.

The government of Egypt is implementing many initiatives to increase the use of computers among students. The Ministry of Education has a "Computer for Each Student" initiative, and MCIT introduced the "PC for Each Home" project that gives landline subscribers the right to purchase a PC and pay for it on an installment basis via their telephone bills. There are opportunities in software development, E-learning, E-government, E-health, E-culture, and E-business.

Answer 2

Information technology, or better known as IT, covers several aspects of the managing and processing of different types of information and several related technologies. There are several careers available within the field, requiring adequate education and technology degrees in order to enter and grow within.

Computer Information Systems Manager

Computer information systems management is expecting wide growth within the future with several computer related jobs flourishing within the industry. The main role of the position involves planning organizational procedures, providing and maintaining internet support, and ensuring security within the technology. A bachelor degree and previous experience in an information technology position is expected for the position of a computer information systems manager and a master’s degree can provide extreme growth within the field. A manager with a great deal of experience and training can suffice with an associate’s information technology degree. The typical range for wages begins at $47,000 and can reach up to $140,000 for the top performing managers.

Computer Programmer

Computer programming is an information technology career that highly values higher education. 20% of computer programmers hold a master’s or doctorate degree with most others holding a bachelor’s degree in computer programming. The job involves understanding and developing instructions and languages of computers that are used to operate the internal systems. This includes resolution of issues and developing and using logical tests within the computer system. They also perform several other functions including:

•%09Developing and writing software

•%09Debugging systems

•%09Changing existing codes and programs

The minimum education required is a two year certificate in computer programming, with new programmers entering with associate degrees and more skilled and capable programmers holding a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate. Wage ranges for computer programs starts at $35,000 for the lowest level positions and $100,000 for the highest level, averaging at $60,000 per year.

There are also several other careers within the information technology field most ranging in degree of responsibility and level of advancement within the company. These careers include:

•%09Computer Science Analyst

•%09Database Specialist or Analyst

•%09Statistician

•%09Database Administration and Computer Systems Analyst

All positions are highly dependent on the experience and education level of the programmer.