The System Administrator
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System Administrator — Essential Functions
The System Administrator (SA) is responsible for the effective provisioning, installation/configuration, operation, and maintenance of systems hardware and software and related infrastructure. Typically assigned to team, the system administrator is a qualified subject matter expert, and participates in technical research and development to enable continuing innovation within the existing network systems infrastructure of an organization. This individual ensures that system hardware, operating systems, software systems, and related procedures adhere to organizational values. They also enhance the work environment by training and enabling system end users, and other members of their respective organizations.
Interfacing with the project manager and relevant personnel, the system administrator assists project teams with technical issues in the initiation and infrastructure planning phases. These activities typically include the definition of needs, benefits, and technical strategy; research & development within the project life-cycle; technical analysis and design; and support of operations staff in executing, testing and rolling-out the solutions. System administrator participation on specific projects is focused on smoothing the project transition from development to implementation by performing operations activities within the project life-cycle.
System administrators are accountable for systems including, but not limited to the following: Linux and Windows workstations and servers in support of the existing Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, and application systems that support asset management and accountability. In order to provide sustained operations, the responsibilities on these types of systems also involves SA interface with the general and upper level users in order to guarantee sustained support. Maintenance, research and development and well structured guidance are also vital to ensure continued system and network modernization.
Types of System Administrators
Generally, smaller companies employ one or a couple of system administrators to oversee the entire range of responsibilities of the organization. The circumstances differ in larger organizations, where there are a number of system administrators, each having specific responsibility.
The baseline or general system administrator is accountable for almost all portions of a computer network. Depending on the operating system with which they are well-versed, system administrators fall into two groups—those who know Unix-based operating systems like the Sun Solaris operating environment, and those who know Microsoft Windows operating systems and network environments. These days, a great majority of companies have come to require and acquire system administrators who have experience with the Linux operating system. Whatever their area of specialization, these administrators become the “go to” guys in regards to everything system and network related. They are the first line of defense in a networking high and low profile IT environments.
Network administrators manage the network, assign IP addresses to systems, servers and peripherals and ensure that the network runs picture perfect. It is important that they are able to program and properly administer the software that controls networks, and have in-depth knowledge of the various network protocols. Network administrators actively work with project managers, system administrators, configuration managers and others during the planning, designing and upgrading of networks.
Security administrators make sure the organization’s systems are secure. They may also keep a watch over employees for inappropriate network usage. Security administrators regularly keep themselves in the know about programs that can be used to attack or infect a network such as password cracking, viruses, algorithms, and other malicious applications. Nothing is impossible, and in those few cases where a violation cannot be prevented, the system administrator’s job is to isolate the occurrence, assess the damage, patch up the problem, submit the required reports and make certain that the system is well-prepared for possible future incidents.
Database administrators make sure information on the network is accurately saved and develop and implement appropriate storage systems based on the requirements of the organization. They also maintain proper backup schema and schedules, as well plan for disaster recovery by retaining backed up data off-site. This way, information that is considered critical to the company is not permanently lost.
The web-server administrator is the individual who maintains the actual web server so the Webmaster can administer the sites that are running on it. Web-server administrators control the software and hardware used to keep the websites up and running. Like most other system administrators, they are usually on hand to advise upper management about the modernization of hardware in order to ensure the latest technology is employed so that an organization’s web presence is uninterrupted.
SA Required Skills
System administrators are considered resident professionals in their specific field. Along with that knowledge base and extensive skill set, strong interpersonal and communication skills are also a requirement. System administrators are required to frequently be in contact with hardware and software vendors, in order ensure that their knowledge of current technology is up to date. Administrators should also be capable of writing purchase justifications, training users in complex topics, making presentations to an internal and external audience, and interacting positively with upper management and outside entities.
Independent Problem-Solving
Self direction is one trait that all system administrators have in common. Being comfortable with most aspects of operating system administration and hardware maintenance, the SA takes tasking from upper management, but should be a self-starter, requiring little to no supervision in the execution of their tasks. System administrators have a fixed understanding of their job as a whole; because of this, they are seen as the first line