Employment trends in software development, for example:
outsourcing
In-house development: companies with their own programmers to create their programs
Outsourcing: When programmers not affiliated with a company are used to create software.
If a company needs a software product and it’s not available off the shelf - customised software. They may choose to outsource the task to specialists - going to a company outside your own to develop the software for you.
Companies are set up for programmers to be outsource specialists
Emerging trend
Work done off your premises


contract programmers
People who are employed by you for the terms of a contract to develop a software solution for you
Contracts can apply to parts of a solution or a whole solution
Can still be bound by after-sale service/support
Emerging trend
Job may be done at your premises













Trends in software development
changing nature of the environment in which developers work while creating software solutions
Solutions previously were platform exclusive, e.g. only for mAc “(, for Windows “), for Xbox etc...
Solutions are now designed to work for many platforms, e.g. games that are marketed for all platforms to increase revenue


changing nature of applications
web-based software  - stored on the internet, accessed through the internet, e.g. Google Docs, Presi, Web 2.0 tools, must have an active internet connection (can be an issue if internet is not available, dependent on internet technology, risks e.g. viruses. Ease of distribution, often platform independent, issues must be able to be resolved, security - hacking etc...)
learning objects - LMS (Learning Management System) - most schools have one - create classes/groups and create: upload and download information, graphics, videos, e.g. My Internet. Aim at target audience - include features relevant to that audience.
widgets - Pieces of html or other code used to provide information from a web based service.
apps and applets - An app or application is a program that is runs on a computing device - used to fulfill a particular purpose - e.g. a Battlefield 3 or a word processor. Applets are very small programs usually performing a minor function, e.g. a calculator. Can be found within webpages or other programs e.g. Java applets within webpages.
Web 2.0 tools
cloud computing -
iCloud is a service provided by Apple that allows the user to store information and files from their Apple device (iPod, iPhone, iMac etc...) or double-crossing Windows computers on remote servers over the internet.
Once the information is in ‘the cloud’ it can be accessed by these devices from anywhere with an internet connection. Files can be transferred in real-time by ‘syncing’ the devices to the service.
Using iCloud saves storage space on devices and allows the files to be viewed from any device, at home, work or anywhere in between.
The kinds of files that are able to be stored in iCloud include: music, videos, contacts, documents, photos and emails.
iCloud also allows users to backup the contents of their devices to the remote servers in case of an emergency.
Another use of iCloud is, by accessing one’s iCloud account, they can track (via GPS) and remotely control their own devices. This is useful in the event that a device is lost or stolen, the unit can be tracked down or its contents erased to prevent personal information from being accessed.
mobile phone technology - Developers have to be aware of: screen size, phone processing power, drain on battery, screen design, memory and storage space, sound quality, controls, phone types. Used to fill in the time.

collaborative environments - any environment as a software developer that allows you to work with other people, e.g. open-source programs, e.g. OpenOffice.org