Local tech industries continue to grow

The University of South Carolina has seen information technology majors rise to the top five programs on its campus. As a result of the increase in both qualified graduates with computer training and local businesses seeking IT professionals, the Palmetto Open Source Software Conference, an annual IT conference, is expecting more participants than ever before.

Midlands Connect reported more than 500 attendees are expected to be at the conference, in addition to the nearly 50,000 IT professionals already working in South Carolina. Bob Brookshire, an IT professor at USC, said the goal of the conference is to introduce companies to qualified workers in the state.

"One of the things we're trying to do with this conference is raise people's awareness about all the technology that's going on the area," Brookshire said. "There are actually companies that are relocating to Columbia because they've been introduced to the area through the conference."

Technology companies are also expanding into Gainesville and Jupiter, Florida. Sunshine State News reported more than 400 IT jobs are expected to be announced in Florida as a result of many existing tech companies expanding throughout the state. These companies are not only increasing staff, but also investing in new technology, IT training programs and infrastructure.

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