Key Players in a Successful IT Team
In the modern workplace, nearly every department relies on IT professionals at one time or another. When a device is not functioning properly, a new application is introduced, or managers discuss the direction of technology initiatives, IT professionals are indispensable.
Despite this fact, very few people outside of the IT team itself know the capabilities or structure of the team. If you are an aspiring IT professional, it is important to know how the various cogs in the machine work together to create and implement effective and secure systems. Conversely, if you are a corporate professional with little to no knowledge of IT, it would still benefit you to know how the team operates.
The value of any team is measured by the strength of its members, and information technology is no different. Here is a list of the key members in a successful IT team and a brief rundown of their responsibilities.
Network Architecture
The IT professionals who work in networking and architecture help form the backbone of the technological capabilities of the firm. They select, build, and maintain the network technology that the business runs on, including the servers, firewalls, routers, and other key components. Network architects and engineers are responsible for ensuring the strong functionality of the network at all times, and will work closely with the information security team to bolster the safety of the network.
Infrastructure
The members of the infrastructure team are responsible for maintaining the data, software, and hardware responsible for business functions. Hardware specialists on the team may work primarily on the physical aspects of the infrastructure, while data specialists will manage the databases integral to the firm, including those on the cloud.
Information Security
All companies have data that could be deemed “sensitive.” The responsibility of information security professionals is to safeguard sensitive data through preventative measures such as encryption and password protection, as well as reactive measures such as responding to breaches. Security pertains to both the network as well as the end-user devices such as computers and mobile phones. Information security professionals may also be involved in training the company at large in security best practices.
Support
If you use computer systems in an office environment, your only interaction with IT in the past may have been with support professionals. They are responsible for assistance with technical issues and product installation, as well as often serving as the first touchpoint between the IT department as a whole and the rest of the firm.
Engineering and Quality Assurance
IT engineers are responsible for building the applications and developing the software used by the firm. They work closely with the architecture team to implement these programs into the technological resources of the firm. Quality assurance professionals also test the durability and functionality of these applications, then work with the engineers to improve them.
As you can see, IT is clearly a team sport. There are many important roles that must be filled by qualified professionals if the department, and the firm at large, are to operate safely and effectively.
Pinnacle: Your IT Solution
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