IT Management

Information technology manager is tasked with the design, implementation, and maintenance of a company’s information technology infrastructure. Daily innovations are made improving the currently available hardware and software components. Information systems and software is the most dynamic aspect of IT management. Apart, from innovations security threats have also increased significantly over the last decade. New technologies pose new opportunities and increased efficiency. However, the systems and developments also pose new security threats. Information technology management is the administration of related computers and operations systems, finance and also the human resources or workforce. 

What is IT MANAGEMENT?

IT management involves the management of central information processing systems that support organization data and also communications. IT management is a broad term and incorporates all systems in a company. IT management includes the tangible and non-tangible element or resources of an organization. The tangible resources include networking hardware (servers, routers, hubs, networking cables), computer and people. The non-tangible element of information technology management includes data and software systems. The primary use of information technology management is to generate value by use of technology mainly by increasing efficiency. Efficiency, in this case, is seen in the speed of data processing, data storage, retrieval, data manipulation and also time efficiency. Information systems reduce the redundancies created by old systems such as books or paperwork. 

Information technology management goes past the management of computer related systems, software, and data. Information technology management can be divided into two components that incorporate others. The components are general management practices, subject matter practices or operational practices.  

Information technology management also incorporates the traditional aspect of business management. Information technology management includes the management of finance, budgeting, staffing, and administration and also time management. To support IT systems either hardware or software in a firm the manager must make a budget that suits the technology needs of the system. There, IT management requires knowledge of finance and budgeting increasing the knowledge scope needed for an IT manager. Second, IT management also includes marketing in firms that deal or sell in IT related systems and components. IT managers in software and hardware solution companies such as IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft have advanced roles past those of normal managers. The managers apart from managing the development of hardware and software’s must also guide their sale. Finally, IT management also incorporates the time factor in the completion of projects. Time use don different projects is used to measure the efficiency of the system and also the workforce. Slow and redundant systems waste time affecting the overall output of the firm. 

Second, subject matter practices is an element of IT management that focuses on the management of specialized systems in a company. The specialized systems include telecommunication, networking and software systems such as security, storage, climate control and human resources. Management of the specialized hardware component and software systems is also a responsibility of an IT manager. Hardware and software systems require continued evaluation and monitoring to ensure maxim output. The systems also require constant upgrades to meet the changing demands of the company or customer. IT management is also largely about operational practices. Operational practices include functions such as data security (disaster recovery), projects management and assets management or management of the resources that is the IT systems. Date security mainly referred to as cybersecurity is the fasted growing element of cyber security. Information technology management includes the securing of systems and data protection against corruption or theft by cyber criminals. Second, projects management touches on software development firms such as Microsoft. IT management or the role of the manager includes the overview, evaluation, and approval of software solutions tailored to meet customer needs. Finally, assets management or all resources that comprise the information technology department including people (developers, cyber security experts), hardware (computers, servers, routers) and software. 

The Role of an IT manager

The roles of the IT manager are delivered from the practices of IT management discussed above. Overall, IT management is a responsibility given to the IT managers. The IT manager plays several critical management roles. The roles can be summarized as technical, operational, administrative, project, marketing, strategist and consultant. The technical role of the IT manager comes in ensuring that the systems are installed correctly and working at maximum efficiency. The IT manager biggest role involves ensuring all systems involved in security, communication, data storage and manipulation are working correctly. The manager, therefore, must have knowledge of the workings of the system to identify when the system works at reduced efficiency.  Second, information technology managers are involved in the operational surveillance of the systems. Operational duties mainly include maintenance, updating, upgrading and debugging the system for errors. Operational duties mainly require skilled managers with knowledge of the system components and architecture. System maintenance is a critical practice in the management of IT systems. IT systems whether hardware or software are fragile and vulnerable to breakdowns, optimum output requires constant monitoring and fixing.

Third, the IT manager is the overall human resources manager in the IT department and carries out several administrative roles. The administrative roles mainly include delegation of duties to the subordinate staff to keep all processes running without a problem. The manager does not directly debug or create systems but oversees their development. The IT manager also manages the general welfare such as the physical and psychological health of his or her employees. Second, under administrative roles, the IT manager also takes up roles such as staff recruitment, staff training, work appraisals, and promotions. The IT manager advises the human resources department on all matters related to management of the workforce. 

Third, the IT manager oversees all project implementation protocols from planning, construction, debugging and finally the installation. Project management involves ensuring that the project mainly application development is tailored to meet the needs of the firm or the organization. Fourth, the managers take a lead role in marketing showcasing to the customers the unique features of devices developed by their firms. Fifth, the information technology manager in any firm, is the chief strategist and visionary. The IT manager ensures that the firm is up to date with latest IT features or sets the strategies to ensure that the firm has a competitive edge in the future over other competitors. Example, an IT manager in a networking tools developer firm such as Cisco ensures that future products from the firm outweigh those of competitors such as Microsoft and Chinese maker Huawei. Finally, the IT manager also serves as a consultant advising the firm customers or executive managers on IT systems and solutions. Taping knowledge from subordinates and research the IT manager is the source of information on all technology related matters. 

In conclusion, IT management includes the management of computer and related systems, finance, human resources and other IT assets in a firm. An IT manager must have knowledge of the basic concepts of information technology. The IT manager takes up several roles including administrative, consultancy, projects managers and systems management. The IT Manager role also includes preventive measures and setting of strategies or visions. Preventive measures include data security to curb compromise by cyber criminals. Skilled information technology managers are visionaries and set their companies on a paths guaranteed of future success and competitive edge against competitors.