Vigilant IT professionals Wk 7 - Essay Example

Vigilant IT Professionals Week 7 Vigilant IT Professionals It has been clearly indicated that the importance of having vigilant IT professionals who are capable of detecting and minimizing the damage from a security breach has become increasingly important.  In this regard, the current essay aims to determine the issues which are of importance to the IT manager in this role and whether this a type of job position that one would like to hold.One strongly believes that the IT manager’s role in an organization is crucial in terms of maintaining and installing various aspects and facets relating to computer management, support and application.

The general responsibilities include managing information technology and computer systems; ensuring that the technology is smoothly accessible and effectively equipped with both hardware and software systems; and being able to regularly monitor and maintain technology to ensure maximized accessibility and application (Information Technology Manager, 2005).The primary concern therefore for the IT manager is sustaining effective operation of the computer system and applications within an organization at maximum ability and at the minimum cost.

Aside from keeping abreast with the latest technological developments that concern the organization’s upkeep of both hardware and software system, the task of the IT manager includes identifying risks and threats of security and ensuring that the organization’s data and information system would not be compromised. The IT manager must be able to detect vulnerabilities and threats and be able to address security issues, breach of confidentiality and other information-related concerns at the soonest possible time with ease, high competence, and exemplary use of sensory, cognitive and problem-solving skills.

This is a type of position that one looks forward to holding in the near future. The opportunities open for an IT manager are vast and the nature of the work is appropriately challenging due to the fast pace of technological advancement. From the information contained in the Occupational Outlook Handbook for Computer and Information Systems Managers the compensation offered is relatively high with “the median annual wage of computer and information systems managers (amounting to) $115,780 in May 2010” (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012, p. 1), or about $55.

67 per hour. Likewise, the job outlook is positive with an indicated growth rate of 18% for the years 2010 up to 2012. Likewise, as disclosed, “growth will be driven by organizations upgrading their IT systems and switching to newer, faster, and more mobile networks” (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012, p. 1). Despite apparent challenges in working conditions and physical strain due to the need to spend long hours sitting and evaluating computer requirements which could be strenuous for the muscles and the eyes, among others, IT managers’ significant role in supporting and sustaining the information technology goals of the organization is definitely potentially rewarding.

ReferencesInformation Technology Manager. (2005, May 30). Retrieved May 2, 2012, from http://www.maca.gov.nt.ca/school/tools/JD_docs/Information%20Technology%20%20Ma.pdfBureau of Labor Statistics. (2012, April 26). Computer and Information Systems Managers. Retrieved May 2, 2012, from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Management/Computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm