SAN FRANCISCO – Women working in the U.S. IT industry face the same challenges to career advancement as in any other field, according to a new study released Wednesday.Corporate culture, failure to identify and develop talent, isolation, and the ability to combine work with family and personal life are the main issues inhibiting professional growth for women in technology companies, just as in other industries, research company Catalyst Inc. found.Women are successful in technology companies, but they are a clear minority in the top ranks, according to Catalyst. Women can be given a better chance if the inhibitors are removed, which is possible, Catalyst said. The outcome of the study is not surprising, according to Catalyst. However, what is notable is that although both men and women see a lack of acceptance of women, the industry overall still sees itself as a meritocracy, Catalyst said.Catalyst held five round-table discussions in the U.S. with 75 senior executives for the study, “Bit by Bit: Catalyst’s Guide to Advancing Women in High Tech Companies.” Microsoft Corp., Dell Inc., IBM Corp. and Intel Corp. financed the study, Catalyst said in a statement. Software Development