IT specialists excel in B2B commerce and artificial intelligence

The unemployment rate for IT professionals rose to 5.9% in June, about 44% higher than the U.S. national unemployment rate of 4.1%, according to a report by Janco Associates Inc., a consulting firm that focuses on information technology trends.

In June, “layoffs at large technology companies continued to weigh on overall IT employment,” Janco says, adding, “Large high-tech companies continue to lay off workers to improve their bottom lines. Microsoft and Google are among those companies that have recently announced new layoffs.”

The IT sector unemployment rate was 5.9% in June, up from just under 4.0% in March when it was slightly lower than the overall unemployment rate, Janco data reports.

But there is better news on the B2B e-commerce front, especially for IT professionals with AI skills, Janco says.

While Janco didn’t provide e-commerce employment figures, the company has learned that many employers are looking to cut costs by operating more efficiently — and are looking for IT workers who can help develop AI-powered applications and B2B e-commerce connections to increase revenue and profits.

“Our interviews, data, and analysis show that many organizations are struggling to improve their financial performance,” Victor Janulaitis, CEO of Janco, told Digital Commerce 360 ​​in an email.

He added that companies realize that IT generates some of the highest costs per FTE (full-time equivalent employee), including contractors and consultants.

“The average IT salary now stands at $103,692 across all organizations,” Janulaitis said. “If you include contractors and consultants, that number approaches $150,000.”

Relying on AI and e-commerce to automate

“CIOs are focused on using AI to automate functions like customer service, exception reporting and routine management of legacy applications,” Janulaitis said. “As that happens, the number of FTEs is reduced.”

To develop AI applications, CIOs need to hire or retain consultants or contractors who can quickly develop and implement AI and machine learning solutions, he added.

“E-commerce and B2B connections are areas of particular interest,” he said. “People with those skills and experience are in high demand and find jobs quickly.”

Janulaitis added that unfortunately, IT professionals without AI skills are being left out of areas where there is a higher demand for workers.

“Another case is traditional IT specialists, who are directly affected by the high unemployment rate.”

Paul Demery is a contributing editor at Digital Commerce 360, covering B2B digital commerce technology and strategy. [email protected].

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