Software Publishing Jobs

Industry Profile

All organizations today rely on computer and information technology to conduct business and operate more efficiently. Computer software is needed to operate and protect computer systems and networks. Some 8,200 establishments are engaged primarily in computer software publishing or publishing and reproduction. Software publishing establishments carry out operations necessary for producing and distributing computer software, such as designing, providing documentation, assisting in installation, and providing support services to software purchasers. These establishments may design, develop, and publish, or publish only.

Establishments providing access to software for clients from a central host site, designing custom software to meet the needs of specific users, or involved in mass duplication of software are classified elsewhere.

Software publishing establishments that design and publish prepackaged software may develop operating system software as well as word processing and spreadsheet packages, games and graphics packages, data storage software, and Internet-related software tools such as search engines and Web browsers—the software that permits browsing, retrieval, and viewing of content from the Internet. Some establishments may install the software package on a user’s system and provide customer support.

Software is often divided into two main categories—applications software and systems software. Applications software includes individual programs for computer users—such as programs for word processing or for developing and maintaining spreadsheets and databases. Systems software, on the other hand, includes the operating system and all of the related programs that enable the computer to function. The Internet has vastly altered the complexion of the software industry over the last decade. Much applications and system software is developed for use on the Internet and for connections to the Internet.

Economic Development Issues

* Employment is projected to increase 68 percent between 2002 and 2012, ranking software publishers as the fastest growing industry in the economy.

* Computer specialists account for half of all workers in this industry.

*Job opportunities will be excellent for most workers; professional workers enjoy the best prospects, reflecting continuing demand for higher level skills needed to keep up with changes in technology.