PayPal recently announced its plans to hire more than 300 new employees at the company's offices in the Phoenix suburb of Chandler and in Omaha, Neb. The new employees will provide customer service to PayPal users in the U.S. and Mexico, among others.

PayPal opened its support center in Chandler this February, hiring 500 employees at the time and leaving room for up to 1,500 more. The company also has a development center in nearby Scottsdale.

"Amidst the recent economic uncertainty, we're proud to be able to provide new job opportunities in the communities where we live and work," John McCabe, senior vice president of global operations for PayPal, said on the company's blog.

"Both Omaha and Chandler have been the perfect homes for PayPal – they both offer an educated and talented workforce and family-friendly communities," he continued. "Without a doubt, our employees in these offices have been an integral part of PayPal's success in redefining the payments industry. And we're just getting started.

PayPal is an online service that enables customers to pay, send money, and accept payments without revealing their financial information. The company is owned by online auction site eBay.

Students majoring in computer studies, computer science, management information systems, or other related subjects will be expected to take a number of core computer-related courses that range from networking and programming to design and graphic arts.

You can expect to take these classes whether you're pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree, as they provide vital knowledge that any computer-related professional will need in order to succeed.

According to Education-Portal.com, five common classes you can expect to take include:

• Fundamentals of relational databases - Learn how relational databases are created, how they function, and how they can offer personal and business information management solutions.
• Visual Basic programming - Learn the theoretical and practical applications of creating event-driven computer programs using the Microsoft Visual Basic programming language.
• Applications for computers and the Web - Learn how to use a variety of common computer and Web-based programs that enhance productivity and presentations in a business environment.
• Foundations of computer programming - Learn how to identify the need for a problem-solving program, develop the appropriate solution, and write the computer program.
• Website design and maintenance - Learn how to build an effective website and how to make changes to it as needed.

Everything Channel recently named Insight Enterprises 10th on the CRN 2011 VAR500 list, which honors the top technology integrators in North America. The list is based on revenue size, which is determined by the amount of products and services sold over the year.

"The VAR500 represents the top performing solution providers in the IT community," Kelley Damore, vice president and editorial director of Everything Channel, said in a statement. "Vendors of all sizes rely heavily on the VAR500 list to find those solution providers best suited to sell their products.

"VAR500 honorees are considered trusted business advisors, integration experts and invaluable partners," she continued. "Even more importantly, they solve customers' biggest IT business problems through product integration, training, consulting and services."

Tempe-based Insight Enterprises is a leading provider of hardware, software, and service solutions to business and government clients. The company has operations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific.

"We are very excited to break into the top 10 of Everything Channel's VAR500," Ken Lamneck, president and CEO of Insight Enterprises, said in a statement. "Our move from No. 28 to 10 is a clear reflection of our strong 2010 performance, with consolidated sales growth of 16 percent.

"We are optimistic about our future as clients look to us as a trusted advisor providing the technologies, expertise and essential services to deliver solutions across the IT environment that meet diverse business goals," he added.

The federal government recently announced its plans to close 137 of the nation's data centers by the end of this year in an effort to make America's IT infrastructure cheaper and more efficient. Two of those data centers are located at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.

A total of 39 data centers have already been closed and the remainder are slated for closure by the end of the year. The closures are expected to affect a total of 16 federal agencies throughout the country, although it's not yet known exactly how many jobs will be cut as part of this process.

According to an article by The Wall Street Journal, the agencies to be affected by the closures include:

• Department of Agriculture
• Department of Commerce
• Department of Energy
• Department of Health and Human Services
• Department of Homeland Security
• Department of the Interior
• Department of Justice
• Department of Labor
• Department of State
• Department of Transportation
• Department of the Treasury
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• General Services Administration
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• U.S. Agency for International Development

As part of a larger plan to reduce overall government spending, the federal government is planning to close 800 data centers by 2015, a move that would potentially save $3 billion per year. The number of federal data centers has grown from 432 in 1998 to 2,094 today.

The majority of those data centers are used to store data and servers and for networking purposes. However, many of those facilities have surpassed their budgets and are not used enough, with experts estimating that only 27 percent of a typical data center is used.

One of the most popular certification options is to become a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator. These employees have proven themselves capable of fixing and maintaining computer systems that run on the Windows operating system, which is an extremely valuable asset to many employers.

"Earning a Microsoft certification helps validate your proven experience and helps you build your career, whether you are new to technology or a seasoned professional," Microsoft notes on its website. "The benefits that you gain after achieving a Microsoft Certification provide you opportunities to connect with a vast, global network of Microsoft Certified Professionals. Research shows certification is a value to you and your organization."

In order to become certified by Microsoft, you must have at least one to 12 months of experience working with a desktop operating system, a network operating system, and an existing network infrastructure.

Once you have the required experience, you must then pass a series of tests, including two networking systems exams, one client operating systems exam, and one elective exam. You also can choose to become certified in a specialized area of Windows, such as messaging or security, by passing a similar series of exams.

Here are some important facts about Microsoft Certified Systems Administrators:

• 62 percent of hiring managers think certified professionals are more productive.
• 43 percent of employees have received a raise after becoming certified.
• 57 percent of certified professionals expect to receive a bonus.
• Companies with certified employees are 28 percent more productive.

DataSphere Technologies, Inc. recently announced its plans to open a new office in Tempe, a nearby suburb of Phoenix. That new location, which is the company's second in the city, will hire about 220 new employees in the near future.

Washington-based DataSphere works with major media companies to provide up-to-date information about what's happening throughout the nation. The company currently covers almost half of the population, serving more than 1,100 individual neighborhoods and 70 cities.

"We are very excited to continue our expansion in Arizona," Mike May, vice president of sales operations for DataSphere, said in a statement. "We are looking for 200+ people in the Tempe area who would like to join a fast growing start up company and talk to small businesses across the country about compelling ways to increase online exposure in their local communities by partnering with major media companies."

DataSphere has seen tremendous growth during the last year, adding 300 new employees and gaining a three-fold increase in revenues. The company will join the likes of Cenpatico Behavioral Health, T-Mobile, CH2M Hill, and Wells Fargo at Fountainhead Corporate Park.

"Datasphere is an exciting and innovative technology company, and I am pleased to welcome them to our community," Mayor Hugh Hallman said. "Tempe's reputation as friendly to technology-oriented businesses is further solidified by Datasphere's choice to locate in Tempe."

IT project managers work with a company's tech employees to oversee a specific tech project from start to finish, determining the project's requirements, budgets, and schedules. During the time the project is in motion, the project manager serves as the point of contact between the company's tech staff and the company's clients.

Most students who want to become an IT project manager gain some post-secondary training through a vocational or trade school, as well as some hands-on work experience, but the exact hiring requirements for this type of job typically depends on the employer.

There were about 4,063 computer specialists, which includes IT project managers, in the Denver area during 2009. An additional 336 jobs should be created in the next decade, as the occupation grows by .8 percent each year, making for a total of 4,399 computer specialists by 2019.

According to the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment, the top 10 industries that employed computer specialists in the Denver area during 2009 include:

1. Professional and technical services - 17.6 percent
2. Publishing industries - 7.4 percent
3. Educational services - 5 percent
4. Insurance carriers and related activities - 3.4 percent
5. Management of companies and enterprises - 3.1 percent
6. ISPs, search portals, and data processing - 2.2 percent
7. Ambulatory healthcare services - 1.9 percent
8. Membership organizations and associations - 1.7 percent
9. Administrative and support services - 1.7 percent
10. Computer and electronic product manufacturing - 1.6 percent

During 2009, the average wage for computer specialists was $37.75 per hour or $78,518 per year in Denver. Entry-level employees earned an average wage of $26.20 per hour or $54,492 per year, while experienced workers earned an average wage of $43.52 per hour or $90,532 per year.

Intel Corporation recently announced its plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Chandler, a nearby suburb of Phoenix. That project will create thousands of temporary construction jobs and many more permanent manufacturing jobs in Chandler, as well as bring new revenue to the state.

"Intel is the kind of employer I'm talking about when I say we need quality jobs for our citizens," Gov. Jan Brewer said in a statement. "This is a company with a worldwide brand that has had a successful, 30-year history in Arizona. On the heels of passage of the Arizona Competitiveness Package, I can’t think of a better way to end such a successful and historic week."

Intel's $5 billion plant, dubbed Fab 42, will essentially be the most advanced, high-volume semiconductor manufacturing facility in the world. Construction of the project is expected to begin this summer and be complete sometime in 2013.

The company chose to build the new facility in Arizona because of the state's commitment to quality of life, quality of education, business-friendly environment, and lean-regulation policies. In addition, Intel already has a strong presence throughout the state.

In 1980, the company opened its first facility in Chandler, which has since grown to become Intel's second largest plant. That location currently employs about 9,700 people. The company contributes more than $2.6 billion to Arizona's economy.

"Arizona policies have encouraged Intel to invest billions of dollars in the state and create thousands of high-wage jobs, and we commend the governor and Arizona's elected leaders for choosing to compete," Josh Walden, vice president and general manager of Intel's Fab/Sort Manufacturing, said.

"We are very excited to be building a new fab in Arizona," he continued. "When complete, this fab will be the most advanced high-volume semiconductor manufacturing facility on the planet. The addition of this fab will significantly increase our U.S. manufacturing capability, maintain our current major presence in Arizona, and create thousands of construction and permanent manufacturing jobs in Chandler."

Seattle IT jobs

PayScale recently named Seattle third on its list of IT Startup Salary Hotspots, falling only behind San Francisco and Austin. The report found that IT workers in Seattle earn a median salary of $71,400 per year and have an IT Startup Jobs Ratio of 2.06, making the city's IT Startup Hotspot Score a 2.29.

The median salary in Seattle is higher than the national median of $64,300 per year. The lowest salary is Philadelphia's median of $61,400 per year and the highest is San Francisco's $87,100 per year.

PayScale looked at salary information for a variety of tech-centric towns, such as Austin; Boston; Washington, D.C.; Raleigh-Durham; Salt Lake City; San Francisco; and Seattle. The report also included IT salary information from other large metro areas, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York, and Philadelphia.

In order to determine what cities are the best for IT startup jobs, PayScale examined the ratio of IT employees at IT startup companies relative to all other workers in the city and calculated the average pay of those IT workers to come up with an IT Startup Hotspot Score.

The 12 cities included in the report were ranked based on their IT Startup Hotspot Score as follows:

1. San Francisco - 3.53
2. Austin - 2.35
3. Seattle - 2.29
4. Salt Lake City - 2.03
5. Boston - 1.76
6. Washington, D.C. - 1.62
7. Raleigh-Durham - 1.55
8. Atlanta - 1.04
9. Chicago - .99
10. New York City - .99
11. Philadelphia - .97
12. Dallas - .86

The most recent Annual Salary Survey from Dice found that technology professionals in North Texas saw their salaries increase by 4 percent over the year, reaching an average of $81,579 per year. The Dallas-Fort Worth area in particular had an average salary of $78,438 during 2009.

Nationwide, salaries for tech pros remained pretty flat over the year, increasing by only about .7 percent over the year. However, the survey found that 49 percent of employees received a raise during 2010, while 29 percent of employees received a bonus.

In addition, about 50 percent of survey respondents said they were somewhat or very satisfied with their salaries, which is up from 46 percent who said so during 2009. About 24 percent of tech employees said they could make more money if they changed employers this year.

"Companies can no longer get away with paltry salary increases for their technology staffs based on the demand we are seeing for talent," Tom Silver, senior vice president of North America for Dice, said in a statement. "The moderate increases in satisfaction levels indicate that tech professionals' concerns are being heard by some companies, but certainly not all. Retention is the key to driving additional contributions to the business from technology staffs. Employers that are reluctant to increase compensation or step‐up retention efforts will likely pay for their unsatisfactory ways."

Other highlights of the survey include:

• Tech pros with less than two years of experience experienced salary declines for the second year in a row.
• Employees of companies with more than 5,000 workers earned an average of $88,075 per year.
• Employees of companies with fewer than 50 employees earned an average of $69,658 per year.
• The skills most requested by employers are: Oracle experience; J2EE/Java; C, C++, and C#, project management; and SQL.