Cochrane lights the blue touch paper: silicon.com columnist Peter Cochrane sparked controversy with his assessment of the future of the IT department in an age where students are the most tech-savvy members of society.

Cochrane said: "Company IT departments will go the same way as the typing pool because they offer no value."

He added: "The young people coming into your company will know more than the IT department."

He further added to the gloom hanging over the server room, stating: "The IT department is like a leper colony. Go into any company and there is a real hatred between the CEO and CFO and their IT department."

Photo credit: Will Sturgeon