The ratio isn't really what's at issue because that can vary due to the business you're in. What's the bigger concern is that the IT staff overlaps that's what I draw to be the biggest problem where I work. Our system support staff is responsible for end user support, network support, telecom support and server support. However: Telecom support is only responsible for telephones Network support is only responsible for networks Server support is only responsible for servers That's find and dandy for the other departments, but for us poor shlubs in system support we're overworked and underpaid. The CIO of our company said once that he expected at least 900 or so end users per IT staff. My location alone, I support around 200+ users with varying levels of support from co-workers and people on other teams. This also includes our servers, our phones, our networks.

I agree with you 100%, unfortunately the problem lies in the fact that non-IT people do not view it as a trade. Yes, there are plenty of DIYers that will do their own electrical, plumbing and PC work but that does not detract from the fact that it is a skill that requires a level of training, experience and god honest talent.

Speaking from my personal experience, and having slowly (too slowly) working up the corporate ladder glory is what you make it. If you love what you do, and cherish the battles there's plenty of glory to be had. The issue is that everyone is different from both a support and end user perspective. My problems can be summed up fairly readily though, and some were already clarified above. IT Managers are usually from external sources so do not know how the business runs, as all businesses operate differently even if the same field (ie. one bank will utilize different systems from another). IT hardware/software decisions seem to be made on the golf course with no input from staff. Cutting costs is put priority one over everything else, even if it does not make sound business sense. For example, our business recommends a global IT staff/end user ratio of around 300 to 1. I work in our head office building and actually had to fight my boss to be allowed to stay here when they farmed out IT to a cheaper location. End users, for the most part, do not want to deal with remote fixes. They want people to come to them and fix problems. I support around 300+ physically in one building and it's too much sometimes. Especially when companies are notorious for making you work as much as possible for the least amount of money. My job title does not include VCC support. It does not include IP Telephony support. It does not include Network support. It does not include Server build support. I do it all though, because if I didn't the business would be affected. I know it's a lot of rambling, but it's the state of IT and it's hard to get it all together. The only hope is that the next generation of people getting into this field realize it's as much about the smarts as it is about the people.

I used to be in sales, then I became a security guard.
I eventually applied for a job in the building I was a security guard to do monitoring of servers, software and websites for a bank. I had no relevant experience on my resume, just the references from the night operators that I used to hang out with at 2am when nothing was happening.
That being said, this could be defined as an entry-level job which is going to give you far more leeway in terms of getting in.
For the most part after that, it's all about cutting your teeth and proving you know what you say you do.
As someone who has lied repeatedly on my resume (cough.. COBAL.. cough) the important think is that if you get thrown into that situation when you need to use that skill you can.
IT is very much a job of adaptability. Technology changes in a heartbeat and if you can't keep at that pace and stay ahead of it you will be eaten, doesn't matter how much schooling you have or what your resume says.

Working in IT, one of the problems I have with my blackberry is that the ability to RDP into my work enviroment is not possible on a free scale, therefore work is not persuing the opportunity. With citrix available on an iPhone, all of a sudden, my ability to work has increased exponentially. Now if it works properly, that's a whole other story... And I can just see our remote desktop support going "You're logging into work how now?". "You think we're going to support this?"

Probably the closest to my own personal views I've seen. I honestly want to get an iPod. I'm jonesing to get an iPhone. But I'm not getting either in the immediate future. Why? Apple locks down their hardware (forget about the DRM issue for now). Why would I buy a mp3 player/phone with a proprietary connection? I use a blackberry for phone and I have a creative Zen for an MP3 player. Both use USB standard connections. Yes, Apple makes good products, but I feel for those "in the know" (ie. extremely picky, concious consumers) we want standardized equipment. I want to not have to use a crippling program to upload my music to my player, no matter how pretty it looks. Nor do I want to sync my phone with a program just to make it work.

As many people have stated, this isn't a clear cut answer. Throwing in my 2 cents though, the problem is that many, many companies (mine included) seem to have a hard problem understanding the difference between IT and IT Management. Too often have I seen a glut of managers/project leaders/etc. and not enough people to do the actual work that's being asked. I would be more curious to see how many companies (mine included) that have a grossly out of proportion ratio in workers/management.