(D)Infrastructure
support:-
This is another support role. These people commonly work more with system
administrators. They are mainly concerned with ensuring that the computers and the
network have all things necessary to keep running satisfactorily. They are also
concerned more with grass root level work like checking individual machines for
problems like Virus infections and taking backups etc. There is only one fixed requirement
here as mentioned above that in the background, it is these people who keep things
running. Starting off here requires knowledge of computer hardware, cabling and
if the person has completed A+ and N+ then always better.
(E) Network security:-
This job profile is much hyped and known by many names. Some call them Ethical hackers and others call them security consultants or security specialists, but the general idea remains same.
Here, the focus is on keeping the company network secure and ensuring that hackers and malicious software don?t cause any harm. Thorough knowledge of computer networks and operating systems concepts is a must for this field.
Additionally, the person can also have knowledge of working with routers and hardware firewalls. In terms of software, there are 3 major applications that can benefit you herein ? Microsoft ISA Server, Checkpoint and CISCO PIX are good places to start. Knowledge of Microsoft ForeFront technologies is also a plus.
Software:-
The software line mainly revolves around developing and maintaining software and is on the higher side when compared to Hardware in terms of long term earnings. There are various options here, such as:-
(A) Programming:-
This is the frontline software job and most people consider that software only means programming. Based on seniority, people in this discipline have different designations and salary packages. People generally start off as Programmer or Junior programmer. Then they are promoted to developer or senior developer, programmer analyst, going on the become team leader and / or project leader and finally going on to become Project Manager.
A good way here is to research about various technologies available for programmers to use such as C,C++, J2EE/.Net, Flash and so on. Many people also do programming in databases such as SQL Server or Oracle or DB2.
(B) Analyzing:-
This is a post considered on the senior side to a programmer or developer. The job of an analyst is to handle initial talks with customers and gather information about their expectations with respect to the software being developer. An analyst may be a technical or non technical person but he/ she must show aptitude in talking to both ? technical as well as non technical people and being able to mediate between them
(C) Architecting:-
This is the highest paying discipline in the IT sector hands down. These are the senior most technical people and they are mainly responsible for different areas of work in a computer company, such as IT, System, Solution, finally leading to the biggest ? Enterprise Architect.
If you want to become an architect then it requires as least 7-8 years of thorough experience in that area and having many certifications related to your job will also help a lot.
(E) Testing:-
Today testing is a very important role in the IT industry. These people perform tests on software created to ensure that it meets all quality requirements and that there are no defects. There are many companies that are dedicated just to testing. Working with programs like Win Runner and Load Runner and other such testing tools is an added plus.
(D) Configuration:-
Configuration means that after the software is ready then going to the client?s location and setting up the software. These people are mainly responsible for setting up an environment necessary for the completed software to start working. They work along with the programming and testing team and understand what is necessary to make the software work.
Then they go to the client?s location(s) and implement the software. Their work also involves working with the client to arrange for necessary hardware and software is available for the software product to work properly. Many times, they are also involved with training end users in how to work with the software.
(F) Support:-
This is more of a support function as the name suggests and is generally carried out by fresh joinees who have less experience in other areas. It involves part time work of all other areas, especially programming and testing. This is mainly in phases where the software is already completed and running and some minor changes are required during its lifecycle. (Every software has a life cycle of 2-3-4-5 years during while the company releases updates and bug fixes and also provides help to users).
This was a short introduction of major lines of work available in the IT Sector.