In the fast-paced world of Information Technology, finding the right place to grow your career is pivotal. Vancouver, with its soaring tech industry, stunning landscapes, and vibrant lifestyle, emerges as an enticing choice for IT specialists seeking a change of scenery. In this guide, we’ll delve into the details of Vancouver’s tech talent scene, providing you with valuable insights and data-backed information to ease your transition.

Vancouver’s tech sector has been on a remarkable upward trajectory, with a substantial 33% increase in tech employment from 2014 to 2019. This trend underscores the city’s status as a burgeoning tech hub, making it a hotspot for job opportunities. But this guide isn’t just about numbers and market trends; it’s a journey through the tech landscape of Vancouver, complete with real-life anecdotes that showcase the experiences of IT specialists who’ve made the move.

So, if you’re ready to explore the possibilities that Vancouver offers for IT professionals, let’s embark on this comprehensive journey through the city’s tech talent scene, job market, networking opportunities, and the enriching lifestyle awaiting you in the stunning landscapes of Vancouver.

Understanding the Vancouver Tech Job Market

Vancouver’s tech job market is a beacon for IT specialists, boasting a remarkable demand for tech talent. According to recent statistics from the British Columbia Technology Industry Association (BCTIA), the tech industry has been a driving force behind the region’s economic growth, contributing significantly to job creation. The city’s tech sector has witnessed steady expansion, with over 10,000 tech companies calling it home.

One of the key reasons for this growth is the city’s strategic location. Vancouver serves as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific market, making it an ideal destination for tech companies looking to expand globally. This geographic advantage has led to increased investment in the sector and a surge in job opportunities.

Top Tech Companies in Vancouver

Vancouver is home to a diverse array of tech companies, both established giants and innovative startups. Leading the charge is Electronic Arts (EA), renowned for its groundbreaking gaming experiences. Additionally, tech behemoths like Microsoft and SAP have a significant presence, providing a myriad of opportunities in areas such as cloud computing, AI, and software development.

Startups in Vancouver also thrive, fueled by a supportive ecosystem. Companies like Hootsuite, which specializes in social media management, have gained international recognition. The city’s commitment to innovation is further exemplified by the presence of tech hubs like the BC Tech Innovation Hub and the Centre for Digital Media, where collaboration and entrepreneurship flourish.

Lifestyle Aspects of Moving to Vancouver

Relocating to Vancouver as an IT specialist isn’t just a career move; it’s an opportunity to embrace a lifestyle that seamlessly combines work and play. Vancouver’s unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty is a major draw for professionals seeking a high quality of life.

Vancouver’s neighborhoods cater to a diverse range of preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling energy of downtown, the artistic vibe of Gastown, or the family-friendly atmosphere of Richmond, there’s a neighborhood to suit your lifestyle. The city’s multiculturalism is reflected in its culinary scene, where you can savor flavors from around the world.

When it comes to healthcare, Vancouver boasts an excellent healthcare system. British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) provides coverage for residents, ensuring access to medical care. Moreover, the city is home to world-class educational institutions like the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU), making it an ideal choice for families.

Commuting is a breeze thanks to Vancouver’s well-connected public transportation system. The SkyTrain and buses crisscross the city, making it easy to navigate without a car. Moreover, the city is committed to sustainability, with a focus on biking and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, contributing to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

These lifestyle aspects combine to create a unique blend of career opportunities and personal fulfillment, making Vancouver an appealing destination for IT specialists.

Housing and Cost of Living

Housing in Vancouver is a critical consideration when relocating, and North Vancouver offers a spectrum of options. The housing market in North Vancouver is diverse, ranging from condos with stunning mountain views to family-friendly neighborhoods with spacious single-family homes. It’s important to note that while the city center can be pricier, areas like Lynn Valley, Lower Lonsdale, and Edgemont Village offer more affordable options.

For IT specialists considering a move, seeking the expertise of a licensed realtor can be invaluable. Tam Barclay, a licensed realtor with extensive knowledge of the Vancouver housing market, offers specialized relocation services tailored to IT professionals. These services can help you navigate the intricacies of the housing market, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home in North Vancouver.

By partnering with a professional like Tam Barclay, you can make informed decisions about housing, ensuring that your relocation experience is not only seamless but also tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Networking Opportunities

• Vancouver Tech Meetup: This regular gathering is a hotspot for tech enthusiasts and professionals. It’s a fantastic place to forge connections, share knowledge, and discover potential opportunities.
• BC Tech Summit: As one of the largest tech conferences in Western Canada, this summit attracts tech leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. It’s an ideal event for networking, showcasing your skills, and staying updated on industry trends.

Job Hunting in Vancouver

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume and cover letter to align with Vancouver’s tech market. Highlight skills like AI, software development, and cybersecurity that are particularly in demand.
• BCjobs.ca: This platform specializes in British Columbia job listings, making it an excellent resource for finding tech job openings in Vancouver.
• Local Career Fairs: Attend career fairs hosted by universities like UBC and SFU. These events provide direct access to recruiters and the chance to learn about job opportunities firsthand.

Networking and job hunting go hand in hand when making the move to Vancouver’s tech scene. By actively participating in local events and optimizing your application materials, you’ll increase your chances of finding exciting tech roles in the city.

Recreational Activities for Tech Professionals

Vancouver’s allure extends far beyond its tech scene. For IT specialists seeking a balanced lifestyle, the city offers a treasure trove of recreational activities. Start with the iconic Stanley Park, where you can explore the lush trails and enjoy the scenic seawall—a perfect escape from the digital realm. If you’re a tech enthusiast, Vancouver Startup Week is a must-attend event. It’s an annual gathering that brings together innovators, investors, and professionals, fostering collaboration and sparking new ideas. The city’s outdoor adventures, tech meetups, and serene green spaces create a harmonious blend for IT professionals looking to unwind and recharge.

Success Stories

Let’s delve into the inspiring journeys of IT specialists who embarked on the Vancouver experience. Take Sarah, a talented software engineer who traded Silicon Valley for Vancouver’s thriving AI startup scene. Her relocation not only propelled her career to new heights but also ignited a profound connection with the city’s breathtaking landscapes. Sarah’s story, along with others, underscores the challenges faced and conquered by individuals who dared to relocate. These success stories aren’t just about professional growth; they are a testament to the rewarding and fulfilling life that Vancouver offers, where career opportunities merge seamlessly with the beauty of the great outdoors.

Conclusion

In summary, for IT specialists contemplating a move, Vancouver presents a world of opportunity and adventure. This guide has navigated you through the thriving tech job market, highlighted networking prospects, and shed light on the city’s diverse neighborhoods, recreational offerings, and the real success stories of those who’ve taken the leap.

So, whether you’re drawn by career growth, the chance to connect with like-minded professionals, or the sheer beauty of Vancouver, we encourage you to explore the abundant opportunities this city has to offer. Vancouver isn’t just a city; it’s an invitation to a rewarding journey where your IT expertise can find its perfect home in one of the world’s most picturesque tech hubs.

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The ideas considered are true for any type of listed resources. Therefore, for simplicity of presentation and examples, for the purposes of this article, we will understand under resources only IT hardware assets and software licenses.

I think you can easily recall two or three companies which are characterized by the following situation:

• There are several departments/managers/management processes/information systems collecting primary data and information on IT hardware and software license usage – working in isolation;
• There is no single source of data on the use of IT equipment and software licenses in projects and in operations.

If you need to centralize resource accounting across related activities, additional questions arise:

• Is there a difference between the IT resources used in implementing projects and providing IT services?
• Does it make sense to centrally manage them, whether they are used in projects or as part of IT service delivery?

Projects and IT services require the same resources

If a company’s IT service activities are based on service and project approaches, then parallel processes working with IT resources are possible.

Let’s refer to the definition of the Service Portfolio in the ITIL V3 library: the area called “IT Service Pipeline” corresponds to the project activities of creating IT services.

Thus, the lifecycle of an IT service can be divided into two parts: the period of its creation or upgrade and the period of IT service provisioning and decommissioning. Activities within the first period are defined through project management, and activities within the second period are defined through service management or IT service delivery. And both time periods consume the same IT resources: IT hardware and software licenses.

We can say that the overall pool of resources under service management and process management is the same as the portfolio of IT assets. The difference is that different characteristics of the same IT resources are important for different management processes.

It turns out that IT project management, ITSM and ITAM processes use the same tangible IT resources. The only difference is in the aspects of managing them.

The use of unified inventory and data warehouse tools, integrated accounting and management processes, will reduce the cost of collecting and maintaining the relevance of data and ensure its completeness and relevance.

Centralized accounting of IT resources increases IT resource accounting increases their manageability

If the IT asset portfolio is the same scope as the overall pool of project and IT service resources, are we right to say that IT asset management can replace IT service resource management and project resource management?

No, it’s not. Because these are different activities and involve people from related departments, with their own tasks and areas of responsibility.

And yet, IT asset management can be the basis for organizing multi-factor accounting of IT resources – both in the interests of project management, IT service delivery, and in their own interests.

This is possible due to the fact that:

• The IT asset lifecycle includes the project resource lifecycle and the KE lifecycle;
• IT asset accounting is more accurate than project resource and KE accounting (both in terms of the coverage of the categories accounted for and the depth of accounting / CMDB depth);
• A specific IT asset, project IT resource and KE are, more often than not, one physical object. It just takes into account its different characteristics: functional / inventory / contractual / financial.

The life cycle of project resources (from procurement to commissioning) and the life cycle of a KE (from commissioning to decommissioning) are part of the full life cycle of an IT asset (from planning to disposal).

Each of the management areas considered evolved from generalized practice cases and methodologies. Their followers considered their subject area to be self-sufficient, and so each had its own processes for accounting for project resources or IT services. If any two or all three methodologies are used in the same company, it makes sense to combine or integrate them.

IT asset management can be that single IT resource management tool.

If there is a need for accurate information about IT resources across multiple dimensions, it makes sense to combine the different activities and integrate different sources of information about the same management objects between them.

Such integration will simplify the work and reduce labor costs to keep the data up-to-date and form a single repository of information, on the basis of which you can build comprehensive reports in different sections.

Who can benefit from centralized accounting of IT resources?

By adding IT resource management aspects, we involve new participants in our centralized information space.

Thus, transparency in the accounting of IT resources in terms of various aspects of management can be of interest to managers responsible for information security or ensuring compliance of IT activities with external and internal requirements.

It makes sense to collect and store information on management objects in a centralized way, combining and enriching it with data from related sources on the necessary management slices.

IT asset management processes are characterized by strong horizontal ties and the involvement of participants from different departments. On the one hand, the large number of participants makes it difficult to implement and run such processes. On the other hand, the participants themselves are stakeholders, which simplifies the rationale for implementing IT asset management. It also reduces the cost of collecting up-to-date information about IT assets by eliminating the duplication of activities.

As part of the IT asset management system, the following links are lined up:

• For each project, its budget execution can be tracked;
• For each project and related IT assets, data on related contracts is reflected;
• The use of IT assets as project resources and contract objects is tracked.

Single information space data structure

As a result, project managers are able to manage projects in terms of finances, contracts, and resources from a single point.

In conclusion, a few key thoughts in this article:

• The same resources are used for IT services and IT projects. However, aspects of management can be different: functional, inventory, contractual, financial;
• IT asset management can complement configuration management by enriching KE information with a unique set of inventory, contractual and financial aspects;
• IT asset management can be the primary trusted source of data for project resource management;
• Centralized IT asset management allows to collect information from different sources in a single place and thus create a single information space for all aspects of IT resource management;
• IT asset management can form the basis for centralized IT resource management.

1 IT Service Conveyor, ITIL V3, Service Strategy, 4.2.3 Service Portfolio, Pipeline and Catalogue, p 117

2 IT service resources are considered to be assets and configuration units, KEs. There is no separate term for project resources, so we will use the phrase “project resource”

3 An IT asset can be hardware, parts, consumables, or software or IT services, or possibly intangible entities (logical elements) over which a company has rights of ownership or use and which are accounted for in the ITAM repository as part of their lifecycle. But mostly IT assets mean hardware and software.
An IT asset portfolio is all of a company’s IT assets for which the company has legal responsibility.
IT asset management is a set of interrelated processes aimed at addressing the physical accounting, financial control and contractual obligations associated with IT assets throughout their lifecycle.

4 Exceptions are logical elements accounted for in the CMDB, as part of the configuration and asset management process, such as the LAN IP address range.

5 Project resource management is one of the main groups of project management processes. It includes the processes of planning, procurement, supply, distribution, accounting and control of resources, resource inventory management. These processes relate to the management of labor and material and technical resources. Management of financial resources is carried out as part of cost management.

6 Configuration and asset management – one of the main processes within the provision of IT services, which solves the problem of managing configuration units during their operation. There are also related processes involved in the provision, accounting and maintenance of the operation of KE: management of user requests and incidents, change management, IT service delivery level management.

7 Where relevant data will come from different activities for different aspects of the accounted facilities: functional, financial, contractual, inventory.

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When choosing a resource management software provider, think about why you need to optimize your approach to resource management. Here are some sure signs that you’re ready for resource management software:

You want to save money

Companies are increasingly using services that provide software, infrastructure and platforms. One way to save money is to optimize the costs of these services. Many organizations can cut software costs by as much as 30% by following software license optimization guidelines. This is not an easy task to do manually. Optimizing complex licenses manually is a rather time-consuming process. It requires specialized knowledge. In addition, it is not scalable. Large companies will need the SAM (Software Asset Management) tool. This tool can automate, speed up and optimize manual processes. It can deliver more value than manual management and often pays for itself.”

You rely on spreadsheets

Companies still use spreadsheets to track their resources. Do you think the information in such spreadsheets remains accurate over time? Of course not. Over time, the accuracy of the information diminishes or the spreadsheets become too cumbersome. Sage Accounting estimates that a $2 million company that uses spreadsheets to track its resources can spend up to $50,000 a year on “ghost resources” – items that are paid for and accounted for in the general ledger but are not physically available. Gee.

Keeping up with company changes can be difficult

Five new headsets arrived today. Four employees had their laptops stolen from a restaurant in Tuscaloosa. Ten printers are to be replaced next month with new models from the leasing company, and 14 laptops a month after that. If you need a staff member, even part-time, to keep track of all the resources, you need a basic system to make the job easier and more convenient.

“Shadow” IT resources are a growing concern

Increasingly, applications, licenses and other IT resources are purchased, managed and used “in the shadows,” that is, without IT’s knowledge. Collaborative software will allow IT to stay on top of what’s going on in the company and allow other employees to be more productive, without risk or unnecessary expense.

Think about what your organization’s approach to resource management might be. This will help you understand what software will best meet your needs. The first thing to do is to take an inventory of resources. This is an important step that will give you an idea of where and what resources are located. You will then be able to compare resource lifecycles and estimate costs with the finance department.

More advanced IT resource management goes beyond this approach and involves automating routine tasks. For example, an employee can independently request a general software subscription license through a self-service portal. If, according to predefined rules, the request is confirmed, the employee is provided with a link to access the subscription. This allows IT to spend less time on support and focus on more important tasks.

Effective resource management is impossible without collaboration. A collaboration tool takes the process of buying resources out of the shadows: employees can easily make requests and the purchasing department can comment on and approve requests. It’s even better if you can connect the resource management tool to services that employees are already using. For example, if you connect the Slack app, employees can send requests with a couple of keystrokes. A more user-friendly request collection process will increase the efficiency of IT’s resource control.

It’s worth noting that the help desk is the foundation of enterprise resource management. Employees can ask for help and IT can report on requests. The help desk has access to resource management software and provides IT teams with important context to help improve service quality. For example, when a user requests a laptop repair, the basic information (purchase date, previous problems, etc.) is already known. IT can also look at any support calls related to that laptop. With the context at their disposal, IT can solve employee problems faster.

As IT infrastructure evolves, users increasingly rely on SaaS providers to manage critical services. In addition, changes in the rapidly changing cloud environment need to be monitored. That’s why it’s important to choose tools that make collaboration more productive and support your approach to service management.

Every organization is unique. You may need to map complex dependencies. You may need to keep track of intangible resources, such as licenses and compliance documents, to reduce risk. Or maybe your requirements are simpler and involve only tracking computers.

Fortunately, there is a wide range of resource management software available, from simple and affordable integrations to sophisticated, expensive solutions that can automatically discover all the equipment over IP within the network (and also wash the plates in the office kitchen). It doesn’t matter what tool you use (whether it’s a simple application or an enterprise-grade system). All that matters is that it meets your needs.

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So what is an IT resource? In general, such a resource can be hardware, software, or information of value to an organization.

IT resources have a finite period of use. To get the most out of them, the lifecycle of the resource must be actively managed. Each organization can define its own stages of this lifecycle. These typically include planning, procurement, deployment, maintenance and decommissioning. When managing IT resources, it is important to apply this process to all phases of the lifecycle to know the total cost of ownership and optimize resource utilization.

In the past, IT departments could manage resources in systems under their control. Now, however, an organization’s resource management extends far beyond officially certified-labeled hardware. Subscription-based software and the desire of employees to customize work tools through application stores present new resource management challenges. These days, teams work in ways that require IT employees to be flexible and adapt their resource management process to maximize company efficiency.

Employees from a wide variety of backgrounds are looking to work with the tools best suited to the challenges at hand. But resource management, an even more important component of an organization’s overall strategy to reduce risk and costs, must not be forgotten. With a single, reliable source of information, the resource management process is indispensable in optimizing budgets, supporting lifecycle management and making decisions that affect the organization as a whole.

When employees in other departments began to engage in service management, resource management became important in many departments. We know that the shipping, fisheries, insurance and musical instrument industries are doing it.

Why is resource management in an IT environment such an important process?

Very often resources are tracked in dozens of different places by dozens of different people. However, no one owns them, and no single tool collects and centralizes information. Naturally, this leads to clutter and unreliable data. It’s hard to make informed decisions in such an environment. Some companies have employees dedicated solely to tracking IT resources. This work should be done by the system itself. Then there is no need to burden employees with monotonous tracking of artifacts, workloads and dependencies, and IT can focus on what matters most to the organization. With resource management comes order and a single trusted source of truth that IT teams, managers and ultimately entire organizations can use.

Optimize usage and save money

With resource management, information is always up-to-date, so teams avoid expenses and optimize resource usage. This saves money by preventing unnecessary purchases and reducing licensing and support costs. Strengthened controls also ensure compliance with security and legal policies, and it also reduces risk. In addition, the positive consequences in the form of reduced costs and increased productivity benefit the entire organization.

Increasing efficiency without sacrificing reliability

Digital transformation is changing the way organizations work, and modern resource management goes far beyond tracking laptops and mice. Today’s teams rely on DevOps and SRE principles and need powerful processes and resource management tools to deliver new capabilities and services quickly and efficiently – without compromising reliability. With increased control, transparency and accountability, teams can reduce overuse, including redundant resource allocation and instance downtime, thereby avoiding unnecessary costs.

Supporting ITSM practices and enabling teams across organizations

IT resource management is a critical component that supports ITIL processes, including change, incident and problem management. IT empowers the entire organization to innovate and deliver value faster. With the right data, teams can act quickly and predict the impact of changes before they happen. Democratizing access to internal data gives a company a competitive advantage because it results in the company’s customers getting the value they need faster. In any organization whose management is committed to keeping up with the times, strategic thinking is required in the context of controlling, tracking and using the data accumulated in IT departments.

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