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  • Essay / Segregation of Duties in Information Technology

    Table of ContentsNetwork AdministrationSystem AdministrationWhy Network and Systems Administration Differ in Different CompaniesTraditionally, Segregation of Duties in Information Technology is a Vital Technique in internal controls. This not only helps in smoothing business operations but is also essential in eliminating potential threats that may arise within a business (Coleman, 2016). In this case, system and network administration are two professions that are closely related to each other, so people holding the titles of an organization can easily overlap their functions. Even so, despite overlapping job requirements, the two remain distinct and only in a few organizations can the functionalities be merged into one (Morgan, 2016). Mainly in small and medium-sized organizations. However, in larger organizations the preference is for the two roles to be distinguished and assigned to two different people with the respective job titles. This will be the main objective of this article, that is, to explore why organizations prefer to distinguish network administration and system administration as two unique roles. To achieve this, the paper will provide an in-depth look at each of the independently differentiated roles, as well as some of the reasons why companies prefer the roles to be distinguished. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayNetwork AdministrationNetwork administrators are individuals primarily concerned with the supervision and proper functioning of the organization's computer networks (Morgan , 2016). These are the key forces behind network modification, performance monitoring, network diagnostics and other network-related tasks, ensuring that the network meets user needs. However, for the design and implementation of network infrastructure, network system engineers must be involved. The key roles of a network administrator include: installing network and computer systems, performing upgrade, repair and maintenance tasks on computer and network systems (Morgan, 2016). The network administrator is also responsible for diagnosing and resolving problems with the network's software and hardware systems. Network review and performance improvement also falls within the purview of their job requirements. In smaller organizations, their roles can range from firewall configuration, server maintenance, website administration, systems maintenance to other non-networking tasks like service support IT support and data backups for organizations. Therefore, for any network administrator, lifelong learning of technology trends, good time management, critical and analytical thinking are the key skills to acquire for a successful career (Morgan, 2016).System AdministrationA System administrator is primarily responsible for maintaining, configuring and ensuring the proper functioning of computer systems in an organization, particularly multi-user computer systems such as network servers. It is up to the network administrator to ensure that the performance, availability, security and resources of the computers under his management fully meet the requirements of their users ("What is anetwork administrator versus system administrator? », 2016). To meet these requirements, the system administrator is required to perform computer software acquisitions, upgrades and installations. They must also maintain security policies, provide routine custom automations, and troubleshoot and resolve issues related to the use of the IT system. Their roles also include training, supervising and providing technical support to staff regarding the use of systems within their sphere of management. Other key roles of system administrators in organizations include adding, configuring and removing old systems, ensuring the network runs smoothly. functionality, documenting system configurations, ensuring system security, troubleshooting reported system errors, and performing custom system audits. They are also responsible for integrating new technologies into existing IT environments, addressing user technical concerns, and managing user information. However, in larger organizations, these tasks may be subdivided and assigned to other groups within the organization, such as the network administrator. For a system administrator, the key skills required for a successful profession are problem solving, strong IT security knowledge, troubleshooting, and knowledge of software development (“What is a network administrator versus to a System Administrator?,” 2016).Why Network and System Administration Differ Between CompaniesThe first and most obvious reason why companies distinguish network administration from system administration is due to the nature and burden. of work involved in the two professional functionalities. Although the requirements can be effectively met by a network or system administrator, merging the two roles under one can prove detrimental for a large organization (Morgan, 2016). Take the example of Microsoft where the number of computers almost exceeds the number of employees while the computer systems used are as numerous as can be counted. Apparently, placing all network and system administration job requirements under one group or the other is just as dangerous as it seems. This means that either team will be required to maintain the network, supervise all system functions, provide user support, acquire new technology, train users, and perform all of the tasks discussed above. Well, this may not be good for the efficient and smooth functioning of the organization as well as economic viability. Therefore, to ensure efficient operations, most large organizations definitely opt to have network and system administration teams deployed on their premises. Companies also distinguish network administration from system administration as a tool to improve data security (Coleman, 2016). In most cases, in large organizations, only network administrators are allowed to view information shared across networks and have network security configuration details. However, only system administrators can be in possession of software security information. This not only helps spread security risks, but also creates layers of security that are essential to strengthening the security of the organization. This also helps avoid any confusion.