Information Technology Administrator

Summary

Information technology (IT) administrators manage the day-to-day operations of IT systems to make sure that the systems run effectively.

IT administrators work with IT managers to make sure that the computer system provides sufficient computing power to deliver the desired level of business performance.

Duties & Tasks

IT administrators may perform the following tasks:

  • talk with managerial, administrative and technical staff to determine information needs, data flows and systems definitions
  • establish and control systems access and security
  • coordinate protocols for operation within multi-user IT networks that provide voice, data and text transmission
  • check systems in order to optimise performance and to initiate recovery action after system failures
  • implement regular housekeeping procedures, including data backup
  • manage the distribution and retention of data on various storage devices
  • coordinate system updates and replacement of outdated versions
  • maintain data dictionaries
  • provide day-to-day advice to users on data structures and terminology
  • provide assistance in testing new equipment and systems
  • prepare technical reports on the operation of systems
  • prepare systems cost estimates and cost-benefit analyses
  • coordinate the work of support staff
  • provide training in systems use and access.

Specialisations

Database Administrator

A database administrator makes sure that the underlying technologies provide users with flexibility in the management, access, retrieval, sharing and configuration of the large amounts of data held by many systems. IT professionals such as senior programmers and analysts will often advance to this position after they have gained some experience with relevant database software solutions.

Network Administrator

A network administrator provides operational support and management of a diverse area, covering networks involving the internet and private networks, through to large communication networks within various industries.

Systems Administrator

A systems administrator maintains and tunes large operating systems that may be acquired from external system developers in the form of mainframe, desktop or mid-range systems.

Personal Requirements

  • good at technical activities
  • good communication skills
  • able to quickly understand complex problems and devise effective solutions
  • willing to maintain and update own knowledge of IT content
  • able to work independently
  • able to direct and oversee the work of others.

Related Courses:

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