Frugal mood hits Tampa technology companies

By MADHUSMITA BORA, On Technology
Published March 8, 2008

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You and I aren't the only cautious ones counting pennies and tightening purse strings in these anxious economic times.

Technology companies are with us on the fence.

They are carefully watching before splurging on that software investment or making the next expensive hire.

That uneasiness about the economy floated like an ominous cloud above the smoke, laughter and chatter at a tech bash Thursday night at the Blue Martini in Tampa. Nearly 350 techies from the Tampa Bay area and beyond swarmed the International Plaza bar to hobnob with peers and prospective employers. Job candidates complained about the tough times, while company executives sighed about the economy and lack of skills in the area.

"Everyone out there is cautious," said Fritz Eichelberger, organizer of the so-called "shameless networking" social. "They are delaying hiring, but they will make the budget for the right candidate."

I caught up with a few area tech bosses and asked them about hiring, their dream job candidate and the pulse of the industry here.

First, the good news. Tech companies are doing well. They have learned from the dot-com bubble days and are treading with care.

The not-so-good news? They aren't gung-ho about hiring. But don't lose heart, things could change by fall.

Until then, clean up that resume, get current on technologies and gather speed in your work.

Mainframe and COBOL geeks are out, but experts on Microsoft's .NET software platform and - as always - swift, prolific workers are in.