Evolution of the Modern Geek

By Darryl K. Taft

On the brink of the new millennium, IT pros were dealing with a technology nightmare. Y2K sent geeks everywhere into a frenzy as they prepared for the impending doom of the Millennium Bug, marking a shift in infrastructure complexity issues that would only worsen in years to follow. This is a truly significant moment in IT pro history, and it represents the beginning of the geek’s transformation into the influential technologist.

More than half of today’s IT departments manage virtualization, mobility, compliance, data analytics and more.

Between 2000 and 2004, some major shifts occurred that changed the IT pro’s role forever. In 2004, San Francisco hosted the first Web 2.0 conference, which was themed “The Web as a Platform.” All of a sudden, the cloud was upon us. Survey respondents said cloud computing is one of the top three technology advancements with the most significant business impact, one of the most disruptive technology advancements for business and the top technology investment needed for businesses to remain competitive during the next five years.

IT pros said adopting a “New IT” environment is adopting the cloud.

IT pros received little respite between 2005 and 2009. Among the most significant technological advancements was VMware’s introduction of its Virtual Desktop Infrastructure in 2007, marking the beginning of VDI as we know it today. One-fourth of all IT pros surveyed said they think virtualization (server or desktop) has had the most significant business impact over the past three to five years.

Virtualization skills will be among the most in-demand skill sets for IT pros in the years to come.

Between 2010 and 2013, few technology trends had as great an impact as bring your own device (BYOD). With the advent of the iPad in 2010—and the drastically increasing business use of smartphones and other smart devices—IT pros were tasked with equipping businesses to meet new and unfamiliar demands brought on by BYOD.

According to IT pros surveyed, BYOx (BYOD, BYOA, BYOT) is the No. 1 emerging technology that has been most disruptive to business over the past three to five years.

As technology has grown in scale and power over the past 15 years, influencing the way we work, play and communicate, the role of the IT professional has become increasingly more important. Looking ahead to 2014 and beyond, the day of the old IT pro is long gone—we’re now in the age of the “New IT,” where these pros are expected to step outside their traditionally technical-only role and provide advice on strategic business decisions.