September 3, 2008

A net 8 percent of chief information officers in the Boston area expect to hire information technology (IT) professionals in the fourth quarter of 2008, according to a hiring index compiled by Robert Half Technology.

The firm said in a press release: "Thirteen percent of executives surveyed plan to add staff during the quarter and 5 percent anticipate reductions in personnel. The net 8 percent increase is up one point from the area's third-quarter 2008 forecast."

"IT hiring projections for the last quarter of 2008 indicate increased activity in the Boston area compared to the third-quarter forecast," Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology, said in a statement. "Organizations are directing recruitment efforts toward professionals who can provide essential services -- such as help desk and networking -- and support the launch of Web 2.0 based functionality."

Robert Half Technology describes itself as a "provider of IT professionals on a project and full-time basis, for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support."

(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)