Information technology experts are showing that contributions from their industry are of extraordinary value to businesses and society at large. Beyond technical jargon, some fields see IT professionals as elemental aspects for success, and a vital part of planning for the future.

This week, the Global IT research firm International Data Corporation and Microsoft announced the results of a global research project aimed at mapping the direction of the information technology industry. The study revealed that in the next four years, the field will create 5.8 million new jobs and more than 75,000 new businesses, thereby providing a significant contribution to economic recovery and growth.

The study measured the contribution of IT to gross domestic product, job creation, employment in the software sector, potential for new companies, local spending and tax revenue in 52 countries.

Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft commented, "Countries that foster innovation and invest in infrastructure, education and skills development for their citizens will have a major competitive advantage in the global marketplace."

The study concluded that in 2009, the companies in the Microsoft ecosystem will generate more than $535 billion in revenues.

These estimates match claims by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which determined that the computer scientists and database administrators field is expected to grow by 37% by 2016.