ICT Impact
Software - A Global Industry
Software is at the heart of every technology we use today.
Software powers our factories, schools, businesses and
hospitals as well as our cars, domestic appliances, iPods,
mobile phones and laptops. Software developers are, and will
continue to be, much in demand to provide the systems that make
our world go round.
This multi-billion pound industry exists in practically
every corners of the globe - and especially in Ireland and the
UK, which are the 3rd and 4th biggest exporters of software in
the world, respectively.
The range of applications that software companies address is
enormous - some huge corporations like Microsoft develop the
software used by almost all our computer systems; some develop
code that interacts closely with electronic hardware (like the
systems within our modern cars); some write develop generic
business systems suitable for all businesses with a particular
industry, like manufacturing companies, or insurance companies;
some write special systems to be run by one specific
organisation whose requirements are unique. Some software
companies develop software products to be sold to other
individuals or companies; some companies have in-house software
teams that service their own needs. Some software companies are
small organisations of less than a dozen, highly skilled
professionals; some are large multi-nationals.
A career in the software industry gives you tremendous global
opportunities - software companies' businesses are often
international and require their employees to travel to see
customers; and your skills are truly transferable across the
global - the same technologies are in demand everywhere and
skilled expertise is always in demand.
