The fast-moving nature of information technology is causing frequent obsolescence of technologies and competences. Changes in the environment cause a reduction in the need and demand of old competences. This results in a depreciation of these old competences and a reduction in performance in comparison to individuals with up-to-date competences. Obsolescence is especially relevant for IT professionals because the technologies they work with, and thus the demanded competences, change particularly frequently. However, what effect does that have on the education and development of IT professionals and IT work? To answer that question, we have conducted a systematic literature review. We have analyzed 115 relevant hits and identified key aspects and issues for future research. Causes for obsolescence, consequences of obsolescence, and counter-measures against obsolescence are presented as the three central dimensions of the topic.

When IT work is performed through digital labor markets, IT professionals have a high degree of personal responsibility for their careers and must use appropriate strategies to be successful. This paper investigates the success of IT freelancers on digital labor platforms. Drawing on signaling theory, a dataset of 7166 IT freelancers is used to examine how activating, pointing, and supporting signals lead to success. Analysis was carried out using negative binomial regression. The results indicate that the three signaling types positively influence the objective career success of IT freelancers. This paper contributes to the literature by testing signaling theory in the new context of digital labor platforms, investigating IT specifics, and proposing support as a new type of signal for IT professionals on digital labor platforms. In practice, the results provide guidelines for IT freelancers to improve their success within their careers.