What Does An IT Manager Do?
Information technology managers are mainly responsible for planning, coordinating and directing activities that have to do with the computer and information systems of a company. From the hardware to software to the network of an organization, IT managers are in charge of their installation and maintenance. They supervise the setting up of work stations, the linking of the necessary hardware and the loading of the software required in each computer.
Depending on what the company requires, IT managers evaluate the computer needs of an organization and look at what can be done to improve it. They talk with the company’s top management and recommend potential upgrades to existing systems. They also determine whether a new project is viable, look at its benefits and drawbacks and if they feel that it is necessary, will give reasons to the company to convince them to finance the project.
If there is a need for software upgrades, IT managers will see to it that these are installed. They are even tasked with negotiating with suppliers and other vendors for the company’s technology equipment and supplies, always ensuring that they get the best price, service and support for the technology used by their organization. IT managers aren’t also content with just one technology provider. They continue to research on possible resources and services that the company could use to enhance its information technology systems and make the necessary recommendations to top management regarding their purchase and adoption.
A very crucial job of IT managers is ensuring the security of the company’s electronic data. They see to it that the network’s data security systems are up to date and everyone in the company follows the correct security procedures when logging in to their respective accounts within the firm. They also keep themselves updated on the new technology so that the company’s network is equipped with the best and the latest security systems. They are charged with putting up and maintaining passwords, lockout programs and other security precautions. They also give network accounts and passwords to users when needed.
In the event of a security breach, it is their job to advice staff members and management and plan the appropriate course of action to take to secure the system again. If hardware needs to be disposed, it is also the job of IT managers to ensure that these are stripped and secured before it will be thrown away.
The IT manager is responsible for ensuring that all members of the organization know how to use technology responsibly. It is also their task to familiarize employees with the hardware, software and the network operating system. That means training staff members about it and orienting new employees. If an employee asks for individual training and support, the IT manager should be there to provide it.
IT managers have the crucial task of directing the work of software developers, computer systems analysts, information security analysts and other IT professionals. Like the conductor of an orchestra, they see to it that all the work regarding the firm’s information technology and computer systems are in harmony with each other.
The specific tasks of IT managers also depend on the kind of manager they are. For example, chief information officers (CIOs) head the organization’s entire technology strategy. Together with the rest of the management team, CIOs formulate the technology goals of the organization and see to it that these are implemented. Chief technology officers (CTOs) are IT managers that look into new technology to see how it can benefit the company. IT security managers are responsible for ensuring that the organization’s network remains secure. They come up with programs that keep workers informed of threats to security and head investigations in case there are breaches to security.
IT directors, meanwhile, are in charge of the direct supervision of employees. They find out what the system’s requirements are and see to it that policies from top level management are implemented at the ground level. They also do administrative tasks so that they could hire members and supervise the department’s budget.
Not all companies have CIOs, CTOs, IT security managers or IT directors. Smaller firms may only have one type of IT manager who takes care of all the aspects of the company’s IT operations while larger firms may have all kinds of managers to ensure that all parts of the company’s extensive computer and IT systems are well-taken care of.
Career Spotlight: It Manager
If you live, eat and breathe computers and want to work in an organization where you take charge of its computer systems, a career as an information technology or IT manager would suit you well. In th[...]
