Skills Needed For An IT Specialist
IT support refers to services which enterprises offer to users of electronic goods or technologies. In simple terms, IT support simply provides help to users in terms of specific difficulties with a particular technology product, rather than offering training, provision of customized software or hardware, or any other support services for that matter. The services usually provided by managed IT support firms include fixing computer system problems, configuration and upgrading of applications, testing for security and performance issues, and providing advice on choosing the most suitable technology platform. Many IT support companies also provide consultation services to business and educational users, in terms of IT policies and procedures, and assisting them in the deployment of information technology solutions for their respective organizations. Outsourcing IT services is increasingly becoming important as business requirements involving IT policies, procedures, and infrastructures expand.
IT support companies are a distinct segment of the market
and can be found across various sectors. One of the most prominent examples is the Microsoft Technology Service (MSST), which is a Microsoft certified partner. This kind of service provider specializes in managed services, which means that they focus on offering comprehensive IT support services and help management, which can include security, compliance management and recovery management, information technology planning, application and network engineering, system management, and testing. These companies also specialize in web site design, training, and consulting services.
A wide range of IT support companies also offer maintenance services, including upgrades, installation, repairs, servicing, and design improvement. The maintenance services provided by these IT support companies include backup and recovery, software and hardware upgrades, and security testing. IT support companies that offer managed services usually have a very good working knowledge on all the technologies used in the organization. They also possess a good working knowledge on the hardware and software installed in the organization.
The typical tasks performed by an IT support specialist include the following. First, the IT support specialist provides software and hardware upgrades when needed, based on the latest available software and hardware platforms. Second, they provide security testing for all new computer system applications. Third, they assist with the implementation of new data center procedures, policies, and procedures. Fourth, they train employees on the new updates for the software and hardware that are being provided by the company.
For organizations, an IT support company can provide managed services
by providing on-site or remote assistance when needed. Remote assistance can be done in different ways including e-mail support, phone support, video chat, and live chat. On-site assistance can be done through personnel at the site where the hardware and software systems are located. There are companies that offer managed services in the entire IT environment including off-site and on-site support.
IT support specialists also need to have certain core IT skills. Core IT skills involve the ability to identify and resolve problems; configure and install applications; troubleshoot hardware and software issues; retrieve, trace, evaluate, and return lost data or information; and work with network bandwidth, security, and routing. They also need to be skilled in changing and adjusting hardware configurations, software applications, and configurations. In addition, they need to have the skills necessary to perform troubleshooting techniques such as isolating and repairing broken hardware, correcting routing and network errors, and reconfiguring a workgroup to gain better utilization of available bandwidth and hardware resources. In addition, they also need to be able to troubleshoot failed computer systems during off hours, weekends, holidays, and other situations.
- IT support specialists must also possess certain core IT skills.
- These include understanding the basic function and installation procedures for hardware devices;
- designing networks that incorporate appropriate security measures; and using appropriate software to configure and install hardware programs.
Also, IT support specialists need to understand the difference between hardware that is supported by the IT service provider. There are specific support specifications for each type of hardware, software, operating system, or device. By understanding the difference in these specifications, an IT support specialist can help the organization gain technical control, implement IT policies, and improve its IT support procedures.
A successful IT support specialist can also be expected to be detail-oriented. This means that the individual must be detail oriented and able to listen carefully to questions and perform tasks according to the customer’s instructions. A good IT support specialist will have extensive experience in resolving hardware and software problems. However, additional experience is not always required. A qualified specialist can learn new techniques and apply them to resolving IT support staff problems.