Brad Skelton’s views:

Software/ Application Development in GIS - An overview
Today’s GIS software development can no longer be just a C/C++ desktop programmer. The enterprise and enterprise tools are a part of the job and the developer must become familiar with technologies such as Java and JEEE as well as standards from OGC and ISO. Today’s GIS development must able to integrate various technologies into a single application.

How different or similar is this to general IT App/ Software development?
GIS is information technology with the addition of Geospatial awareness. The introduction of features such as coordinate systems, geometries and topology to the core of database technology in products like Oracle and PostGIS should be a clear indicating that the distinction between IT and GIS has blurred greatly. Microsoft and Google continue to push these technologies into broader consumer conscious.

Your view points on the growing popularity of GIS and the opportunities for IT companies to explore this domain
GIS is now ubiquitous. It should be noted that digital cameras and cell phone now contain GPS and even tools such a photo organizers now contain mapping software which can located family photos on a map. The opportunities span the gamut from large industrial applications to consumer and gaming. Mining sites are now managed with IT systems that track the location of each and every piece of equipment (making it Geospatial and hence GIS). Consumer software makes it easier to locate services and goods (where is the nearest Italian restaurant). This growing number of applications requires more and more GIS and IT skilled developers.

Top five verticals that use your Developer Resources - including the areas of growth

1. Defence, Intelligence & Security
2. Space
3. Infrastructure Development & Land records
4. Forestry and Fire Services
5. Location based Services (routing, etc)

What are the offerings from your company for developers?
In addition to the tools for Geospatial Imaging development within ERDAS IMAGINE and LPS, ERDAS now provides a set tools for enterprise geospatial solutions development within its Apollo suite of products. This includes OGS compliant APIs for geospatial asset management (cataloging - CSW), Web Mapping (WMS), Web Feature Serving (WFS), Web Coverage Serving (WCS), Web Processing (WPS) as well a tools for the development of integrated Geospatial Web Sites and Portals.