The number of U.S. information technology jobs rose 0.34 percent in March to about 4.4 million, according to the TechServe Alliance. With an upward revision in February’s numbers from 0.4 to 0.7 percent, IT employment increased about 5.0 percent on a year-over-year basis.

“While I know the overall jobs report disappointed most observers, I am pleased to see that IT continues on a steady growth trajectory,” TechServe Alliance CEO Mark Roberts said. “Based on the data and anecdotal reports I hear from my member companies, demand for IT talent remains very strong with shortages in many skill sets. We continue to believe the sector will remain a bright spot in the economy throughout 2013.”

TechServe Alliance is a collaboration of IT staffing firms, solutions firms, clients, consultants and suppliers.