Integrators seek project managers

Computer systems integrators cope with a shortage of project managers, who are crucial to a project's success or failure. A project manager must have a wide range of skills to envision a project's product or end result, be able to communicate it to co-workers and clients and see a project to its fruition. Managers must additionally have the technical knowledge to establish a team of technical experts, and the administrative skills necessary to manage the complex array of personalities involved in a project. Respondents to a survey conducted by trade association ADAPSO selected project management as the most important of 32 skills used in the integration industry. Project managers were described as very difficult to find and retain. The survey revealed that project managers are likely bid for and bought within the industry for their services. Experienced project managers make $80,000 to $100,000 per year.