Indianapolis CIOs report on Q4 hiring plans; local projections above national results

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — A net 9 percent of chief information officers (CIOs) in the Indianapolis area expect to hire information technology (IT) professionals in the fourth quarter of 2008, according to the most recent Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Index and Skills Report. Twelve percent of executives surveyed plan to add staff during the quarter and 3 percent anticipate reductions in personnel. The net 9 percent increase is down one point from the area’s third-quarter 2008 forecast but one point above the national average.

The local results reflect a two-quarter rolling average based on interviews with 200 CIOs from a stratified random sample of companies in the Indianapolis area with 100 or more employees; 1,400 executives were queried for the national data. (To view the national results, visit http://www.rht.com/PressRoom.) The studies were conducted by an independent research firm and developed by Robert Half Technology, a leading provider of IT professionals on a project and full-time basis. Robert Half Technology has been tracking IT hiring activity in the United States since 1995.

“IT hiring projections for the fourth quarter indicate greater activity in the Indianapolis area compared to the national forecast,” said Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology. “Organizations are directing recruitment efforts toward professionals who can provide essential services — such as help desk and networking — and support the launch of Web 2.0 based functionality.”

About the IT Hiring Index
First published in 1995, the Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Index and Skills Report was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on more than 1,400 telephone interviews with CIOs from a random sample of U.S. companies with 100 or more employees. For the study to be statistically representative and ensure that companies from all segments were represented, the sample was stratified by geographic region, industry and employee size. The results were then weighted to reflect the proper proportions of employee size within each region.

PRF DataStation provides secure, expanded network of IT services

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Research Foundation officials announced Tuesday (May 20) a high-security “PRF DataStation” that will provide the necessary network of information technology needs for new and growing companies.

The energy-efficient center is a network carrier in a single location that provides fiber-optic connections where clients can lease cabinets or space within cabinets to house their network servers and other information technology equipment.

“The PRF DataStation was developed to support the Purdue Research Park’s technology-based companies,” said Joseph B. Hornett, senior vice president, treasurer and COO of the Purdue Research Foundation, which manages the Purdue Research Park. “The security the network offers and its ability to grow with an organization are critical benefits for park companies and for other clients interested in using the service.”

Serving as a central point for fiber connections, the PRF DataStation features back-up power and cooling as well as access to low-cost, high-availability Internet bandwidth connections.

“The location of the DataStation provides flexibility to increase or downsize the technology requirements as a business grows or slows down without having to make repeated capital investments,” said Mary Claire Cartwright, Purdue Research Foundation director of information services.

The high-availability infrastructure DataStation provides:

• Security with 24-hour video surveillance, storm protection for data systems, access control to the cabinet level and a fire suppression system to protect stored data.
• Back-up power through a generator for an uninterruptible power supply.
• Cooling system with temperature and humidity controls.
• Network with dual fiber feeds to the facility and access to multiple Internet providers.
• Twenty-four hour monitoring of power, environmental controls, physical access and network status.
• Infrastructure applications with communication and call center features, storage systems and desktop support.

“The data center also provides assurance for high capacity so Web traffic doesn’t slow down during peak Internet usage times,” said Eric George, Purdue Research Foundation systems analyst. “We’re also using a carrier-neutral approach, which means we will use the most competitive pricing and services for our clients.”

Additional services available include inter/intra transport; Internet traffic and Web site hosting services; firewall protection; content, SPAM, virus, spyware filtering; remote console access; network monitoring; and backup and disaster recovery services.

“The construction of the system follows a “green” model by operating in the most efficient manner possible,” George said. “The system uses only the resources it needs, such as power and water, and minimizes byproducts such as excess heat.”

Companies located in other Indiana cities, especially those in northeast Indiana, southeast Indiana and Indianapolis, where the research park has or is developing business incubators, can use the DataStation virtualized applications, managed services and off-site data storage capabilities.
For pricing or other information, contact Eric George at (765) 494-6233, eegeorge@prf.org , or visit the Web site at http://www.prfdatastation.com