Where does this leave us? It looks as though the clock could be ticking for corporate IT and security departments in the same way typing pools bit the dust over 20 years ago. The tyranny of the typing pool ended with the computer terminal and the PC. The tyranny of IT departments looks to be coming to an end through a combination of smarter users, better software and outsourcing. No longer will your company’s IT staff dictate which laptop and PDA you can purchase, which applications you can use, and which networks you can access. You, the end user, will get to call the shots, to choose the tools that best allow you to do your job most efficiently. – Uncommon Sense: Are IT departments doomed? May 07 2004 by Peter Cochrane
This somewhat apocalyptic view may be nearer to the truth than it’s future gazing storey predicts. The generation of kids brought on PC’s and Play stations will soon be entering the market place. Many of them able to ‘mod’ their own PC’s or at least be very comfortable with office packages, email and instant messaging.
I think there will be a need to support core IT functions such as mainframes and networks, but the desktop support function has it’s days numbered I’m sure.
Take the following exchange.
gimp: my cursor won’t stop scrolling across the screen,
helpdesk agent: take your filofax off the keyboard,
gimp: ah yes thanks!
True storey or urban myth?…it’ll turn into an urban myth I’m sure.
So you old IT duffers out there who can’t even get you email to work, watch out there’s a ‘tech nomad’ out there with a glowing neon blue PC, champing at the bit for your job.
