A system administrator is a key specialist who sets up the smooth operation of the IT infrastructure and transfers the business to a digital footing. Previously, he was an inconspicuous employee and was mainly involved in manual labor related to computer technology in the company. But the technologies have become so complicated, and the area of his responsibility has expanded, that now the system administrator is involved in solving information security issues, writes code and designs a complex network architecture.
However, there are still a number of stereotypes about these specialists.
In our article, we will debunk the main myths about system administrators.
Myth 1. System Administrators Work Only with Hardware
The essential responsibilities of a system administrator involve configuring computer hardware, software installation, and the upkeep and repair of office equipment. In order to effectively manage the company’s IT infrastructure and provide a comfortable working environment for employees, it is necessary to master these competencies. Additionally, a system administrator’s role includes more tasks beyond this. The grades indicate his professional level based on certain conditions.
An any-key specialist is a specialist who primarily deals with office equipment, including accounting and repairs, setting up WiFi networks, installing software, replacing cartridges, and assisting office workers with technical issues. Some specialists in the technology industry choose to develop their skills in a specific niche, such as working with software or equipment from certain vendors. They may also gain expertise in tasks such as soldering chips or repairing microcircuits, and may develop solutions for equipment repairs that can be implemented more quickly than traditional after-sales services.
At the level of a system engineer, the specialist configures and maintains equipment operability, as well as installs software, but on a larger scale. His job involves working in data centers and overseeing a fleet of 300-1000 vehicles. He is responsible for implementing network infrastructure and centralized management. An engineer with automation expertise can effectively streamline processes. In order to effectively manage the entire IT infrastructure, it is important for individuals in the company to have knowledge of at least one programming language if comprehensive solutions are not already in place. He frequently generates self-written scripts using Bash, Python, Perl, and also Powershell and Batch for Windows administration purposes. When installing new software across a company’s equipment, completing the operation on each device individually can be inconvenient, especially if the devices are located in different offices. In such cases, it may be necessary to write code to automate the task.
The system architect is a highly skilled specialist. He spends the majority of his time designing the IT infrastructure for the company and has reduced his hands-on work. A system architect-engineer is responsible for various tasks, including solving specific issues, ensuring information security, working with complex equipment, and maintaining a large number of computers. At this level, proficiency in automating network and engineering system management, along with extensive knowledge and risk assessment abilities, are necessary. The primary responsibility of a system architect is to create a dependable system with functional elements.
For those interested in pursuing a career as a computer specialist, basic knowledge of computer equipment and networks, as well as the ability to follow instructions and handle tools, is sufficient for entry-level positions. However, to advance to higher levels, additional education or mentorship may be necessary. To be proficient in this field, it is essential to possess basic competencies such as comprehending equipment, identifying issues, setting up and customizing particular software, upholding and managing servers, and creating cluster fault-tolerant configurations with traffic balancing.
System administrators possess a broad range of knowledge and basic skills, which allows for potential specialization in various IT areas beyond the aforementioned grades. The choice of a specialist’s work depends on their level of comfort and interest in a particular level of the OSI model. As an illustration, it could be modified:
database administrator,
developer,
implementation specialist,
design engineer,
automation engineer,
engineer for High-End server and network equipment.
Also, a system administrator can take a managerial position and become a project manager, head of operations or CIO.
Myth 2. Technology Is Replacing System Administrators
The profession of a system administrator is one of the three most demanded IT professions. This means that the development of technology not only does not kill, but, on the contrary, makes this specialty even more popular. Why is it so?
Today, more and more companies are building distributed teams, and system administrators have many new tasks. First of all:
optimization of information infrastructure,
setting up a corporate VPN connection,
search for solutions to reduce server load,
setting up automated electronic document management systems,
ensuring the rapid exchange of large amounts of data.
In such conditions, the burden on system administrators increases significantly. An equally important point is the organization of remote access to the workspace. To do this, it is not enough to install the appropriate software on the employee’s computer – you also need to set up office equipment, monitor information security, and organize operational technical support.
Adds work to system administrators and the growing trend to transfer IT infrastructure to the cloud, where a company can get all the necessary services out of the box relatively cheaply. It is the system administrators who are tasked with choosing a provider and transferring the entire IT infrastructure of the company, including the critical one, to the cloud. Also, cloud providers themselves need system administrators to perform their services, so every year such companies hire more and more specialists in the state.
Myth 3. System Administrators Work Exclusively in theOffice
Like other IT professionals, system administrators can work remotely. Only any-key specialist who physically works with office equipment needs to be present in the office – more experienced specialists can solve all problems, working from anywhere in the world. You can connect to a deployed local network and any computer using the command line. You can also handle requests and resolve issues with other team members virtually using the remote administration software. Even if the operating system “flies” and it needs to be reinstalled, the system administrator may not come to the office, but solve the problem using a script that automatically installs the Windows OS with all the drivers and office software necessary for work.
Myth 4. System Administrators Don’t Code
In fact, the higher the skill level, the more programming skills are needed for a system administrator, because more and more non-standard tasks have to be solved. For example, if you need to check the operation of the antivirus and automatically disconnect the computer from the network when a threat is detected. Doing it manually is inconvenient, so the system administrator writes a script. Programming skills may also be needed to set up automatic backups of user directories, keep databases up to date, deploy test areas for applications, and create utilities for managing large networks.
Myth 5. System Administrators Are Introverts Who Hardly Interact with People
In fact, communication skills are very important for a system administrator. Every day he communicates with dozens of people from other departments – ordinary employees, management, colleagues and software vendors – advises on the use of this or that software, explains why this or that program is required by the company, etc. When employees switch to remote mode work, system administrators conduct full-fledged trainings at all: they tell colleagues about the features of a home office and teach the main rules of information security. Without the ability to find a common language with people and build effective communications, it will be difficult to implement the listed tasks.
Checklist “How a System Administrator Can Grow from Any-key Specialist to a System Architect”
To get a job as an any-key specialist, you must first of all have a craving for computers. It is also desirable to graduate from the basic technical faculty, which teaches the basics of engineering, electronics and algorithms. In addition, a diploma is still an important criterion for employment, especially in Russian state and large enterprises.
Depending on the job profile, you can get certificates for courses on operating systems, information security, networks, etc. Such training will also help to generally improve professional competencies and become a more sought-after specialist.
Another option to get an education is to take online or offline courses in system administration. When choosing a program, pay attention to the composition of teachers – it is desirable that there be as many practitioners as possible among them.
To move from any-key specialist to a new grade, you should choose one direction and develop in it. Also, for professional growth, you need to start solving complex technical problems – such are in companies with large budgets.
After acquiring significant experience and training in observation and changing various jobs, one can be considered a system architect, which is essentially a technical project manager. Effective management of employees requires the development of skills in negotiation and organizing teamwork.