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Cloud To Create 14 Million Jobs? Not So Much

jfruh writes "Did you hear about the study from Microsoft and IDC (PDF), declaring that adoption of cloud technologies would create 14 million jobs? Well, don't believe the hype. The study posts that, once small and medium business can use cloud products to just eliminate their IT department, they'll use those savings to hire people for their core business. It's a dubious proposition, and one that wouldn't be good news for IT workers even if things do play out that way."

5 of 264 comments (clear)

  1. Re:horse manure gatherers out of jobs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Like pumping gas, for example...

  2. Sure.. by wbr1 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Once we automate the factories, we will hire more managers and executives.
    Once we outsource the call centers we will hire more technicians.
    Once we use all the oil we will invent something else.

    I have prime swampland for sale in the Sahara too.

    We have to get use to the fact that not all people will be producers in our society and that percentage of non producers will continue to increase. Does that mean that they have no right to a decent life? This is the future we wanted, where things are becoming more automated and peoples lives become easier. Is it really making anything easier. I would say no until we have a sea change in our socioeconomic views.

    --
    Silence is a state of mime.
  3. More likely to go into bonuses than hiring by elrous0 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The study posts that, once small and medium business can use cloud products to just eliminate their IT department, they'll use those savings to hire people for their core business.

    Or they'll just put it towards profits and big bonuses for the CEO and senior staff, creating no jobs at all.

    --
    SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
  4. Re:Sounds good by BitterOak · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Because those jobs will be concentrated in fewer service provider centers, requiring fewer people to manage them.

    Isn't that what progress is supposed to be about: accomplishing the same tasks with less labor?

    --
    If I can be modded down for being a troll, can I be modded up for being an orc, or a balrog?
  5. Adapt or Die by jholyhead · · Score: 5, Insightful

    If the industry shifts and you no longer need as many IT staff, so be it. Throughout history, advances in technology have wiped out entire professions - when was the last time you met a fletcher, tanner or a pencil and paper draughtsman? This would be no different. Technology progress inevitably makes some people's professions redundant, but they also open new doors. It is for those at risk of obsolescence to spot the trend and make the transition to one of those shiny new doors before their existing one slams shut in their face.

    I say bring it on.