Tech skills, programming languages, PC sales, and more: Tech research roundup

Close to 60% of respondents to a CodinGame survey cite high demand for JavaScript and Java. This supports CodinGame's findings surrounding the demand for full-stack and back-end developers, as Java remains the most popular language for building web application backends.

For more see: Developers, DevOps, or cybersecurity? Which is the top tech talent employers are looking for now?

CompTIA's Hiring Trends Report also reports high demand for Java and PHP, with the programming languages featuring 6th and 10th in the technical skills most cited in tech job postings.

For more see: Developers, DevOps, or cybersecurity? Which is the top tech talent employers are looking for now?

An analysis by Techshielder found that Washington D.C. and Singapore offer the best opportunities in terms of job openings, salary, and cost of living. London was ranked number eight because of its high cost of living and relatively low salaries. 

For more see: Washington D.C. and Singapore top the list for 10 best cities for cybersecurity experts

IT and business alignment has improved for the majority of organisations (87%) over the past 12 months - in fact, 43% of executives say it has improved significantly. More than three-quarters (78%) of organisations say improving business agility is extremely important, according to MuleSoft.

For more see: IT and business alignment is key to successful digital transformation

The pandemic created decentralised and digital-first business engagement models that lasted throughout 2020, and will carry on beyond. Customer expectations, buying behaviors, engagement preferences and expanded use of channels have redefined existing business models and created new ones. As the world transformed, so did marketing. 

For more see: Salesforce Research report: State of Marketing 2021

The US PC market continued its expansion in Q2 2021, growing 17% thanks to a total shipment volume of 36.8 million units, according to Canalys. Notebooks and desktops led the way with growth in shipments of 27% and 23% respectively compared to last year. Tablet shipments were down 1% in Q2. 

For more see: US PC market grows 17% in Q2 2021 as notebook popularity booms

Zoom Video Communications had a strong second quarter but is going to have a tougher time showing the growth it had a year ago. 

For more see: Zoom's post COVID-19 reality: SMB demand volatile, platform pivot promising

Best Buy reported a better-than-expected second quarter, raised its outlook for the fiscal year and said it is in a fundamentally better position now that demand is strong in its online and brick-and-mortar stores. The company's results rhyme with other retailers that have upped their digital transformation game. 

For more see: Best Buy reports strong Q2, ups outlook as position is 'fundamentally stronger'