Information Technology
Description OES Code:00010
All organizations today rely on computer and information technology to conduct business and operate more efficiently. Often, however, these institutions do not have the resources to effectively implement new technologies or satisfy their changing needs. When this happens, they turn to the computer and data processing services industry to meet their specialized needs on a contract or customer basis.

Firms may enlist the services of one of over 178,000 establishments in the computer and data processing services industry for help with a particular project or problem, such as setting up a secure website or establishing a marketplace online. Alternatively, they may choose to "outsource" one or more activities, such as the management of their entire data center or help-desk support, to a computer and data processing services firm.

For those with the mental agility and flexibility to move with a fast-changing industry, the future is bright in information technology services. The world is increasingly dependent on information technology. Hospitals, schools, business, transportation and government now rely on computers—and the people who know how to make them work. Depending on the kind of position you take, you might need patience in order to provide information about something in your field to people whose knowledge may be limited to computer keyboard basics. They may be frustrated, even freighted when the computer they depend on isn’t functioning the way they expect. They’ll look to you to make it better.

Categories Within This Industry
Services provided by this industry include prepackaged software; customized computer programming services and applications and systems software design; data processing, preparation, and information retrieval services, including online databases and Internet services; integrated systems design and development and management of databases; onsite computer facilities management; rental, leasing, and repair of computers and peripheral equipment; and a variety of specialized consulting services.

Computer training contractors, however, are grouped with educational services, and establishments that manufacture and sell computer equipment are included with electronic equipment manufacturing. Telecommunications services, including cable Internet providers, also are classified separately.

For a list of current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Software and professional services offered within this industry include prepackaged software, custom programming, integrated systems design, and other specialized consulting. Prepackaged software establishments develop operating system software as well as word processing and spreadsheet packages, games and graphics packages, data storage software, and Internet-related software tools such as search engines and Web browsers—the software that permits browsing, retrieval, and viewing of content from the World Wide Web.

Some may install the software package on a user’s system and customize it to the user's specific needs. Programming service firms may be hired to code large programs or to get new systems up and running. Programming service firms also may update or reengineer existing systems.