Bright skies for contractors skilled in cloud computing

The skies are looking bright for IT contractors familiar with cloud computing.

According to technical director for contracting recruitment company Crackerjacks, Frane Karaman, rising popularity for cloud computing is resulting in higher pay and more work for IT contractors.

Put simply, cloud computing involves using virtual servers to store data and software.

Karaman says the benefit of the technology is that data won’t be lost in the case of a natural disaster.

“Without being at the office, work files and software can be accessed from any computer with internet access. Data becomes quake-proof,” he says.

A Crackerjacks’ survey on pay rates over a range of contracting professions shows expected pay-rates have increased among IT contractors in the past six months.

Rates for technical consultants (up from $80 to $84 p/h), team leaders (up from $68 to $71 p/h) and software engineers (up from $62 to $65 p/h) have increased. Other roles in IT remain stable, changing by only $1 or less.

Though New Zealand lags behind the United States in adopting cloud computing, Karaman believes it will catch on soon.

“Once businesses realise the cloud can improve cash flow, we’ll see a boom,” he says.

He believes this will drive businesses to look at contracting IT specialists to set up new systems.

“Contractors will always be a good choice for companies asking for premium expertise and service, especially on short notice. The permanent staff will stay predominant in junior and more general IT positions.”

Simon Clarke, a contractor in software development, agrees that demand in IT contracting is increasing.

“The recession has forced lots of staff cutbacks and companies have lowered their budgets but surprisingly I’ve had no pay reductions and if anything, an increase in work.

“I think people realise that IT is the way of the future and not something to cut back on.”

More information about contracting rates within the IT profession can be found here.