Domain Analysts

Introduction

Domain analysis or Business Analysis is a specialized process by which information used in developing software systems is identified, captured, and organized with the purpose of making it reusable when creating new systems based on a particular domain area. It is characterized by highly reusable and common variables and is generally carried out by people who are experts in the chosen fields. Some of the common domain areas are: insurance, manufacturing (including the domain of mass-customization), distribution, telecommunications, electricity trading, cost accounting, professional service automation, and Internet applications.

Actually, it is a well-known fact that software programmers are generally too occupied with their coding and other related activities, that they are not sufficiently knowledgeable in the subject area of the new software and thus unable to understand client requirements easily. Thus the task of analyzing the domain of the software falls on the shoulders of so-called domain or business analysts. These people are supposed to be more knowledgeable and experts on the domain and hence can explain the project requirements to programmers easily.

Domain analysis is totally focused on a particular area or domain and requires identification and understanding of the problem and the impact of the solution on the organization's business. Basically, the person responsible provides more detailed perspective to the project based on his/her knowledge of the domain. The person is responsible for the objectives, requirements and business process and cost benefit analysis of the project and helps and guides the whole team in understanding the basic nature of the problem.

There are many analysis and modelling techniques available to help in analyzing the project scope and expectations of the customer. In particular, the domain analyst evaluates the customer requirements and provides necessary understanding to the software development team on the customer needs. Plus he/she is also responsible for providing cost effective IT solutions to businesses.

Business analysts are in great demand these days because it is difficult for general software engineers to understand the intricacies of particular fields such as insurance or financial sectors. Thus these people act as the middlemen between businesses and software teams.

Training

A Formal degree in Business or commerce with some specialized experience in a domain plus good working knowledge of computer and management information systems are a must for a career in this field. One must possess strong analytical and conceptual skills in addition to exposures to web technologies and client server applications. Good Communication skills are an absolute necessity in this field since the person is usually required to coordinate with lot of departments and personnel.

Big companies also go for freshers through on campus interviews and train them in business areas for one or two years before allocating them work in the information technology area. Alternatively, People working in business areas with qualifications in computers are also considered for the posts of domain analysts.

Many organizations have started offering training courses in this field. Spectra mind Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad is one such institution offering Certification Courses for Business analysts.

Opportunities

Business analysts are in great demand these days and are required in almost every industry, whether it is telecommunication, banks, engineering, pharmaceutical or software. They are also employed in consultancy firms for providing business-related solution to the client firms. The business analysts can move up from junior to senior positions and then further on to a project manger level. Some of the Business analysts also opt for freelancing career after 10-12 years of experience offering their services on project to project basis.