I. GENERAL

18.1 This chapter is about “computer consultants”, a term intended to encompass those who supply, maintain and advise in relation to the procurement, implementation and operation of IT systems. As technology changes, computer consulting has turned into a constantly evolving (and increasingly balkanised) IT services industry: IT professionals are becoming increasingly specialised and are carrying out an increasingly diverse range of tasks, requiring an increasingly diverse range of skills. Whilst there are no doubt still individuals who might refer to themselves as “computer consultants” (or, more likely, “IT consultants”) the reality is that a vast amount of work undertaken in the IT sector—and even advisory work—is done by individuals who would probably not so characterise themselves. For the purposes of this chapter, the term “computer consultants” will be used in a broad sense to refer to all IT professionals whose work includes provision of advisory services to clients.