The Systems Administrator

A systems administrator is responsible for the installation, daily operation and maintenance of a computer information system. Some projects need to involve a systems administrator early because of the necessity to install new computer hardware and software components.

In the analysis process, systems administrators are sometimes involved because they understand the cost of keeping a system operational and are experts in systems level components. For example, given a limited budget but also a lower performance requirement, systems administrators can participate early in the analysis phase and suggest suitable components. As such, systems administrators participate after a preliminary systems specification is available but before the presentation of a proposal to the client.

In general, systems administrators do not participate in the analysis and development of an information system as actively as programmers, QA personnel and systems analysts. Nonetheless, they possess specialized knowledge and expertise that is necessary to design and implement a successful information system.