System Analyst & System Administrator

Systems Analyst

A systems analyst is responsible for researching, planning and recommending software and system choices to meet an organization's business requirements.

Systems analysts may act as a liaison between vendors and the organization they represent. They may be responsible for developing cost analyses, design considerations, and implementation time-lines. They may also be responsible for feasibility studies of a computer system before making recommendations to senior management.

Systems analysts are responsible for deciding what software, hardware and settings are needed for each computer, and the steps needed to maintain them. They plan, implement and manage multi-computer systems within an organization.

Additional duties include:

• Assessing the needs of individual departments within an organization and documenting them.
• Planning for the computers and software they will need in order to interact and meet organizational goals.
• Providing analysis of costs versus benefits and potential return on investments for proposed computer systems.
• Establishing and documenting procedures for related tasks.
• Installing and configuring software according to procedures.
• Testing individual computers for proper function; repairing and upgrading software and hardware.
• Working with computer programmers to set up, troubleshoot and maintain computer systems.
• Conducting assessments on the quality and efficiency of computer systems, and making recommendations.

Systems analysts work with both technical and business customers, facilitating communication between the two. Many systems analysts focus on specific computing areas, such as for business, accounting, financial systems or scientific and engineering. Analysts that specialize in selection of system software and infrastructure are sometimes referred to as system architects while those that are specialized in developing and evolving systems are frequently known as systems designers. System analysts typically work in offices or computer labs, and may be either employees or self-employed consultants.

Systems Administrator

A system administrator is a person employed to maintain, and operate a computer system or network. System administrators may be members of an information technology department.

The duties of a system administrator are wide-ranging, and vary widely from one organization to another. Sysadmins are usually charged with installing, supporting, and maintaining servers or other computer systems, and planning for and responding to service outages and other problems. Other duties may include scripting or light programming, project management for systems-related projects, supervising or training computer operators, and being the consultant for computer problems beyond the knowledge of technical support staff. A System Administrator must demonstrate a blend of technical skills and responsibility.