Unemployment figures and technology have a funny relationship. No, there's nothing funny about being unemployed (except for this) but whenever the numbers look bleak, as they do now, technology always seems to have a shortage of workers.

Kathleen Martin, CEO of RocketComm and a regular contributor for Channel Insider, knows this all too well. In a recent article, "Outsourcing the Talent Shortage" she analyzes the present state of the IT job market and offers some helpful advice for solution providers wrestling with the idea of outsourcing.

Despite the increase in nationwide unemployment, a recent survey of vendors and solution providers conducted by Channel Insider and Amazon Consulting found that a shortage of professional services and technical staff as inhibitors to business performance. More than half of the solution provider said that if their talent shortage was resolved they could grow their business significantly.

While subcontracting is a tried and true business practice among many other professionals—from construction to legal services—IT solution providers say outsourcing product and service delivery and other operational functions (marketing, PR, accounting) was not an option to resolving their talent issues.

It is estimated that by 2010 there will be 300,000 home-based outsourcing agents in the United States. These agents cover everything from technical support to marketing and PR agents. With the general acceptance of broadband and VoIP there is no geographic boundary for accessing talent.

The benefits of outsourcing are many. You never have to worry about a lunch break or a sick day with your contract employees. You do not have to carry benefits and you can staff up or down depending on the needs of your business. Outsourcing allows you to increase your company’s services portfolio without increasing your employee costs. As an added benefit, professional services are tax deductible to the small business.

Still not sure where to start? Consider these ideas.

Read her complete article.

Trouble-shooting Windows Vista is nothing new for most computer repair technicians. But in a Dodge Neon, with no air conditioning, in the middle of July? That's a different story. And thanks to companies like Azentek, an OEM of in-vehicle computer systems, this type of service call will soon become common practice.

Azentek recently made news by announcing that it has partnered with Westwell (distributor) to sell its in-car PC - complete with email, a 120GB hard drive, and yes, even Microsoft Vista - in Australian markets this December.

With products such as The Atlas and the SmartMirror already available here in the states, Azentek is confident in its ability to capture the lion's share of the in-car PC market. But so far, the company is still trying to popularize (and profit from) the concept. The recent economic woes of US automakers, not mention consumers, has certainly not helped in this regard, but many suspect that once the downturn becomes an upturn (don't hold your breath) this sort of product will quickly become one of the more sought-after technologies on the market.