While a report from the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) advises IT pros to train in areas less likely to be automated and to develop high-level skills that will escape the hit of the full impact of globalization, Australian IT managers have a few recommendations of their own.

They are relying on their expertise and quality of work to overcome claims by research firm Gartner Inc. that one in 10 IT departments will be lost in five years as a result of outsourcing.

In its forecast, Gartner said IT departments will shrink as technology becomes more commoditized and functions are moved to other parts of the globe.

Similarly the ACM said an increasing number of IT functions, from call center operations to fundamental research, will continue to move offshore.

The report said 30 percent of the world's 1000 largest companies are moving jobs to developed countries.