Systems are increasingly powerful, complex and heterogeneous, especially in a context of mergers, acquisitions and organizational restructuring. It is therefore necessary to have a systems architect to facilitate the exchange of corporate information both internally and externally.

Software development teams used to include a project manger for the needs analysis, analysts for modelling and programmers for coding. The latter two activities are now tending to merge, to give the function of programmer/analyst. A relative lack of experienced talents in the latest generation Web languages continues to be felt.

The work of security specialists has become even more indispensable since Canada has implemented computer security regulations (Bill 198 in Ontario, and sister legislation in Quebec) to create a framework equivalent to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the U.S. These laws require publicly held companies to disclose their processes for testing and maintaining secure internal financial systems in databases, computer systems and services.

Functional analysts can work for computer consulting firms, telecommunications companies, private sector computer departments or be self-employed. Their job involves proposing computer solutions to clients after analyzing their needs and system architecture.

Computer technicians are responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of user workstations, software and peripherals. The job is often part of a company's computer department or a computer services company.

Technical representatives generally work for a director of sales, in close collaboration with the technical and marketing departments. Their duties involve generating business for the company and building new market share in a geographic area or for a given line of products/services.

The job of technical writer involves writing texts to facilitate the use of a product, process or to simplify certain notions for customers.

The job of Web designers is to create attractive Web sites by using the various elements: graphic guidelines, images, illustrations, layout, fonts, colours, etc. Partway between graphic design and computers, this job requires a good computer background, but especially an eye for design and a dash of creativity.

Technical support representatives identify and solve by phone or e-mail the problems clients have after the purchase of a product or service.

Administrators, i.e. network administrators, are responsible for the circulation of information on the various sites or desktops of a company, and handle the installation of equipment, maintenance and upgrade of the network infrastructure.

Account managers, who work for computer consulting firms, computer engineering services companies, or for network and applications support companies, are in charge of signing new services contracts.

As participants in the software development process, software testers help develop the test plan and evaluate the quality of software components.