News

IDC: Business Skills, IT Training Skills Similar

• By Scott Bekker
• November 15, 1999

In two recent reports on IT and business skills training, IDC finds several similarities between the two skill sets. Purchase Requirements for Interactive Business/Soft Skills Training explores the needs and trends in the corporate business/soft skills market from the buyer's point of view. The report analyzes spending patterns, training program needs and services, and the dynamics involved in selecting external training providers. Are Purchasing Patterns for IT and Business Skills Training Converging? explores the similarities and differences between purchasing IT and business skills training.

"One recent trend in the demand for corporate education and training is the shift away from standalone training content toward comprehensive education solutions," said Ellen Julian, director of IDC's Human Resourcing and Training Services research programs. "Corporations are increasingly looking at training as an enterprise-wide strategy covering both IT and business education requirements."

One area for which IT and business skills training buyers demonstrate a similar attitude is Internet-based training, or e-learning. In 1998, e-learning accounted for 14 percent of IT technology-based training and 16 percent of business technology-based training. Both groups of training buyers expect to increase the amount of e-learning they purchase in the future, and both cited its convenience, flexibility, ease of use, cost effectiveness, and efficiency as advantages.

According to IDC, other similarities revolve around IT and business skills training buyers' purchase of outsourced training, approach to training delivery, and interest in value-added services.