System administrators

Introduction

With the advent of computer technology, a lot of new opportunities have opened up for the young professionals. Besides the usual software developers, there are a host of other services, which are necessary for support, and maintenance of computer systems. As more and more organizations have deployed IT softwares in their offices, the need for support staff has sky rocketed. This is especially true for organizations where there are more than 100 computer systems. Thus there is a need for people who are not software developers but those who help to maintain and run the systems efficiently and without problems.

Thus in short, a system administrator or sysadmin, is a person employed to maintain, and operate a computer system or network of systems. Their functionality covers a wide range depending on the needs of the organization. They are usually responsible for installing, supporting, and maintaining servers or other computer systems, and planning for and responding to service outages and other problems. Thus they are responsible for the efficient use of networks by organizations. They ensure that the design of an organization's computer site allows all of the components, including computers, the network, and software, to fit together and work properly. They are supposed to monitor and adjust the performance of existing networks and continually survey the current computer site to determine future network needs. They do so by providing different and rights and permission to users ( as required by their job functions) on the networks and are the ones with complete authority on networks. Administrators also troubleshoot problems reported by users and by automated network monitoring systems and make recommendations for enhancements in the implementation of future servers and networks. Thus problem solving is a key skill that should be possessed by a system administrator. The realm of computer security also comes under his job function. This includes not merely deploying software patches, but also preventing break-ins and other security problems with preventative measures.

Training

The most popular and accepted qualification is the MCSA certification -- Microsoft Certified System Administrator. The candidates have to clear an exam to obtain this certification through Microsoft. It covers the skills of network administrators, network engineers, systems administrators, IT engineers, information systems administrators, network technicians, and technical support specialists as defined by the National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies Skill Standards for Information Technology and other research worldwide. Sun Solaris certifications are required for those administering Solaris Servers while Red Hat RHCT is the course for companies utilizing Linux technologies.

The person should have a basic bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems in addition to certification courses through Microsoft or other organizations. Some practical experience always helps in getting entry to this field. As a system administrator it is useful to have working knowledge of various platforms such as NT, windows, Unix, netware etc. And the need is to keep updating the skills and knowledge to keep up with the new competition. The other key skills are problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, because troubleshooting and helping others are vital parts of the job. The career path may move from junior administrator to senior administrator and further up to management levels such as technical services manager.

Opportunities

Many system administrators also opt for freelancing careers by offering consulting services to large and small companies. Besides the software related organizations that need system administrators, there are others such as administrative and support services companies, banks, government agencies, insurance companies, educational institutions, and wholesale and retail vendors of computers, office equipment, appliances, and home electronic equipment.