What does an information systems administrator do?
Businesses today are mostly dependent heavily on the internet and computer systems for their daily transactions. The information systems administrator is a person that monitors, configures, and upgrades these systems to adapt to the constant advancement in technology. The information systems administrator maintains networks used inside the company, making access to information efficient and fast. A company with a fast and reliable information system will have an edge against competitive companies.
Information systems administrator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real information systems administrator resumes:
- Manage mission critical Linux systems which track all data relating to rotary wing aircraft.
- Institute, manage, and document procedures for UNIX systems security, maintenance, and backup.
- Install/Configure managed switches to increase network speed
- Manage the company Novell network including relate equipment.
- Manage network infrastructure spanning multiple geographically-distribute sites, including VPN / remote access systems and firewalls.
- Ensure adequate security protections for proprietary data and intellectual property; manage and configure firewalls and security posture.
- Recommend new equipment (PCs, phone system upgrades, AS400 devices, and printers) Setup/install new equipment and software.
- Implement VMware virtualization for development and test server environment.
- Experience with internet technologies including TCP/IP and HTTP.
- Repair and maintain PCs and install software and hardware upgrades.
- Create and administer user passwords and access rights using Novell.
- Install an Internet e-mail system using Linux and develop a basic web page.
- Install, configure and administer TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NETBIOS and NFS software.
- Administer LAN (install additional hard drives, memory, and software).
- Install and integrate an RS232 terminal network, UNIX operating system upgrades and updates.
Information systems administrator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Information Systems Administrators are proficient in Linux, Troubleshoot, and OS. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Information Systems Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Linux, 13%
Developed a deep technical and organization understanding of Windows and Linux Administration, LAN/WAN/VPN Administration.
- Troubleshoot, 10%
Administer and troubleshoot data warehouse Servers.
- OS, 8%
Organized patch management for Windows and Mac OS computing environments
- Unix, 7%
Migrated accounting system from an IBM System 36 operating system to Professional Data Solutions, using a UNIX operating system.
- Virtualization, 6%
Provided continuing support and administration for server migrations projects, to include VMWare virtualization.
- Java, 4%
Enhanced the system by installing system patches with modified plug in tools (e.g.- Java JRE).
"linux," "troubleshoot," and "os" are among the most common skills that information systems administrators use at work. You can find even more information systems administrator responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an information systems administrator to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Information systems administrators often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "ensured proper security administration, handled tier adjudication, managed database maintenance, customer support, and coordinated training programs. "
Communication skills. Many information systems administrator duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so an information systems administrator will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways information systems administrator responsibilities rely on communication skills: "set up hr policies, procedures and communications. "
Problem-solving skills. information systems administrators are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to information systems administrator responsibilities, because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." An information systems administrator resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "provide network administration to include lan troubleshooting and resolution. "
The three companies that hire the most information systems administrators are:
- Lockheed Martin19 information systems administrators jobs
- Northwest Bank9 information systems administrators jobs
- Leidos4 information systems administrators jobs
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Compare different information systems administrators
Information systems administrator vs. Systems support
A systems support agent is responsible for resolving system applications and network issues, performing technical configuration, and upgrading systems infrastructure. A systems support representative conducts regular maintenance and diagnostic tests on the computer applications to ensure its optimal performance and efficiency to support business operations and avoid delays in deliverables. They also assist the technology team in designing backup systems and improve existing networks according to business requirements and specifications. They write resolution reports for reference to prevent the reoccurrence of system malfunction and inconsistencies.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an information systems administrator are more likely to require skills like "virtualization," "debugging," "provisioning," and "jenkins." On the other hand, a job as a systems support requires skills like "provides technical support," "desktop support," "end user support," and "system support." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Systems supports really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $72,760. Comparatively, information systems administrators tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $104,094.systems supports tend to reach similar levels of education than information systems administrators. In fact, systems supports are 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Information systems administrator vs. Lan administrator
LAN administrators are responsible for maintaining the local area network of an organization. These administrators manage the server that connects an organization's network to computers and equipment that need them. They install, configure, and troubleshoot the local area network or LAN in a corporate office. It is part of their job to ensure that the internet is available for everyone who uses computers to perform their roles. They also evaluate and recommend the computers, hardware and software, and the equipment needed to create a hack-proof server.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real information systems administrator resumes. While information systems administrator responsibilities can utilize skills like "os," "virtualization," "java," and "debugging," lan administrators use skills like "network hardware," "lan wan," "desktop support," and "emerging technologies."
On average, lan administrators earn a lower salary than information systems administrators. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, lan administrators earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $74,033. Whereas information systems administrators have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $104,094.lan administrators earn similar levels of education than information systems administrators in general. They're 2.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for information systems administrators in the next 3-5 years?
Babak Beheshti Ph.D.
Dean, Professor, New York Institute of Technology
-We will be witnessing a more widespread commercial deployment of 5G in 2020. With the implementation of the Standalone 5G devices based on the 3gpp release 16, we should be seeing the more robust mobile broadband deployment of 5G, wider availability of 5G smartphones, and a push towards an all 5G Network in select urban areas around the world.
-Significant growth in AI-based technologies, from face recognition and voice recognition to business intelligence and market predictions. As machines and deep learning algorithms get integrated into many applications, many industries will undergo substantial changes. AI systems will continue to interact with our phones; cars will interpret and analyze their surroundings and intelligently drive themselves. Online vendors will monitor our browsing habits, and Google decides what kind of search results to give us, based on who it thinks we are.
Information systems administrator vs. Information engineer
An information engineer is responsible for monitoring the efficiency of computer systems and network infrastructure, performing configuration to boost the optimal performance of the technology systems. Information engineers assist end-users in resolving network issues, identifying the source of inconsistencies, and create resolution reports for reference to avoid reoccurrence. They also design new network systems according to business needs and client specifications, running multiple diagnostic tests to ensure effectiveness before the release of final deliverables. An information engineer should have excellent technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an information systems administrator is likely to be skilled in "customer support," "data entry," "sun solaris," and "system upgrades," while a typical information engineer is skilled in "data analysis," "c++," "c #," and "lan wan."
Information engineers earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $107,435. Information systems administrators earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $104,094.When it comes to education, information engineers tend to earn higher degree levels compared to information systems administrators. In fact, they're 5.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Information systems administrator vs. Help desk administrator
Help desk administrator is responsible for handling activities related to system support for their company or organization. They are in charge of providing superb client experiences and working in resolving support issues in a professional and timely manner. One of their primary tasks includes providing login resets and passwords for end-users. In addition, they will also perform innovative systems and network repairs, as well as assist computer information responses as required. Moreover, they support complete equipment set-up, renewal, or termination of a user account, handle server, and domain account changes.
Types of information systems administrator
Updated January 8, 2025
