Oh yeah. Just think of all those bespoke access databases out there containing.. oh.. you know.. financial accounting, asset tracking, statistical data, scientific data. Databases 15+ years old but still very relevant. All the funny little hacks to allow more than 5 people to connect at once.
The biggest problem is with all the logic stored in the front end, the graphical user interface, because the developer(s) of the database didn't or wouldn't put that logic into the database itself. So.. it is easy to port over the database, plenty of automated tools for that, but everything breaks when the front end gui logic is lost... This is what will happen with sharepoint. Sure.. there is that sharepoint database (A giant flat file that contains everything from code, raw data through to embedded objects like emails to rich media content!)
Sharepoint is really in high demand, from what I have witnessed. One of my friends could really pick and dictate conditions when he changed his job from HP, he was more in Sharepoint Administration, now works towards SP Developer. Others were also able to pick their flavor without really much applying.
He is working on a contract now, but they literally begged him to start as a FTE, there is a good reason he wont, pay may still go up depending on the market...
Compared to Lokus Notes which I am forced to work with here Outlook and Sharepoint is heaven-send
Yes. And share-point will never go away. It will be superseded, agreed, but it is such a pig mess that once entrenched in a company it will be very hard to migrate away from.
100% ick from an IT Professionals point of view.. unless your a bill by the hour consultant..
I've seen the "instructional videos" where the guy knocks on the door and says "I'm the plumber and I've come to service your pipes!" Wasn't very helpful with the blocked drains but he knew something about customer satisfaction.
Its good you have decided to retrain. The world is changing and only people who can adapt will survive. But if i were you, i would do something where my vast experience in plumbing can be an added benefit. Retraining in IT from scratch takes a long time and commitment. It can be done for sure. You also have to be lucky to get your first break. But I would get a plumbing and a management diploma in switzerland and learn the language too. Or think of other jobs you can do in the construction or related industires. If you do decide to take the IT route, a good course in IT would be good and that won't be a waste anyway as some IT knowledge will help in any job you decide to do in futre. I have been working in IT for around 15 years and happy to pass on some knowledge/information/training for free if you want. Just keep your options open and look for oppertunities and it will come out good one day.
My 5 years experience in Managing Dialer Systems in a Call Center Environment in the UK has no place here in Switzerland. So, like the OP, I too is moving over to I.T. Luckily for me i am quite handy with computers, as this is my passion and also my studies are mainly in ICT.
I was told CCNA is the best entry certification to have, because employers are getting discount on Cisco Products by hiring a Cisco Certified individual. So for this reason employers will find you. Is this True?
your whole persona is beginning to unravel I'm afraid. If your going to pretend in one thread your worth 100k at a finance company don't blunder on into a discussion on IT with hopeless guesses - it sort of undoes the hard work you did in the other one giving the impression that your not a part time tea making assistant, which I think you probably are.
what the hell are you on about? Or are you working for swisscom with networks ?
There is always a steady need for UNIX/Linux guys, and I find this is more interesting than networking and playing with switches and routers and firewalls.
I maintain this view even when I do serve Tea here at the office.