IT is constantly changing in terms of skills and infrastructure, service delivery, as well as other aspects. Two years ago, IT skills may be obsolete. This means that skills acquired in college may not be relevant when they graduate.
It can be hard to keep up. There are too many mission-critical tasks that must be completed. Only those who have the right skills, knowledge, experience, and qualifications will be able move up.
These are ten IT skills that are on the brink of extinction that will help you stay ahead.
1. COBOL, Fortran, and Other Mainframe Programming Languages
They were very popular and have been used for many years. Today, programming is done in object-oriented languages like Objective C, Java, and C++. This has rendered obsolete Fortran and COBOL. These skills are crucial for older applications. These programmers will be less likely find work because they will have fewer options as companies drop older programs and replace them with modern applications written in newer languages.
2. Windows XP and Vista, Windows Server 2003
Microsoft will end support for Windows Vista and Windows XP this year. Windows Server 2003 will be discontinued next year. They will not be fixed if they are found with bugs or exploits. Many new applications don’t support them and it is becoming more difficult to find drivers. These operating systems are in high demand, even though there are still many IT professionals skilled in them.
3. PBX Systems and Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTNs)
Servers that offer more functionality and have the same functionality as traditional PBX and PSTN systems will gradually replace them. Modern communications software does much more than route voice calls from desktop phones into PBX systems. Unified communications is a combination voice, voicemail, fax, and voice. It also has other functions and features.
4. Silverlight
Microsoft introduced Silverlight to compete with Adobe Flash. Silverlight was promoted to create web pages and desktop widgets for Vista. Silverlight will work in Windows 8 but is not compatible with the Windows Store (a.k.a. Metro) apps, and on Windows Phone. It is a Windows-only technology, which is slowly being replaced by HTML5.
5. Support for middleware
Operating systems now have many of the same functions as middleware, so using middleware can be a way to support legacy software. As they are called, legacy systems are older solutions that are being used up until they can be replaced by newer solutions. This eliminates the need for middleware.
6. Adobe Flash
Flash is widely used, but Adobe has stopped supporting mobile platforms since 2011. Flash is being replaced with HTML5 and Silverlight. Most websites now use HTML5, which is compatible both with mobile and desktop operating system including iOS, Android and Windows.
7. Software Installation and Support
Cloud computing is becoming more popular. Software as a service is becoming more popular. This reduces the need for software installers and software support. Instead of patching and upgrading local computers, this work is done online.
8. Hardware Repair
People replace broken parts and peripheral devices today, instead of repairing them. It is cheaper to replace damaged parts with upgraded components, and at lower prices, than to repair them.
9. Server Administrator Skills
Virtualization is the future. Virtual servers are becoming more popular and less servers are being installed. This means that server administrators who are not familiar with server administration are in great demand.
10. Massive CRM, ERP, and SCM Application Support
Cloud-hosted apps are replacing many customer relation management (CRM) applications such as PeopleSoft and Siebel.