Wanted: programmers for handheld devices

The pace of change in computer technology can be breathtaking. Frequently, this makes it difficult for programmers to maintain skills that are in demand. Nowhere is this more apparent than in one of the newest and most dynamic segments of the computer industry: handheld devices and wireless technology. The use of handheld devices is growing rapidly, as is the demand for applications that run on smart phones and personal digital assistants. However, programming for these devices, which have limited processing power and memory, as well as tiny screens, is different than developing applications for PCs or servers. Very few programmers have much experience with these devices, particularly in the US, where handheld technology adoption has been slower than in Europe. This is creating a challenge for vendors looking for developers to write mobile applications. Companies must work hard and be creative to find programmers who can become productive quickly in the handheld environment. And in some cases, developers are carefully selecting projects to most efficiently allocate their limited programming resources