Why Do We Distinguish Between Network Administration and System Administration - Essay Example

Why Do We Distinguish Between Network Administration And Systems Administration? Introduction System Administration and Network Administration have been mistaken to mean the same thing. Their practices draw a very thin line that makes it easy to confuse one for the other. This has made it hard for many especially them who are not in IT industry to take the description of one to mean the other. To untangle the confusion that has existed in regard to system administration and network administration, there is need for keen consideration of the specific dimensions that make each one of them in terms of structure and practice.

We also need to explore the distinctions on management of networks and systems to answer the question on why we distinguish between the two. Reason for Distinction between system administration and network management According to Burgess (2004), system administration is about planning, formation and conservation of the computer systems to enhance productivity through the users of the system. Its services are well spread within responding to service problems around system software design, computer project management and operations within a company.

Network administration on the other hand includes maintenance of computer hardware and software in the entire company’s network. It focuses on ensuring that a company has prime performance in information delivery to the local users within the network as it links them with the wider network like the internet (Whirlpool, 2006). From the descriptions above, it is clear that system administration is totally different from network management. Understanding their distinctions makes it easy to define several things.

One of them is functionality and purposes of having two departments in a company that could otherwise be assumed to be one. The definitions explains that, while system administration supports servers connected to the network and database, network administration supports hardware and software that makes networks and switches within a system. The second reason is defining the roles of specialist associated with each one of them since they differ right from their names. The specialist for system administration is called system administrator while the specialist for network administration is called a network manager.

In an organization, a system administrator is in charge of “adding users and doing backups isolated to one independent computer system while a network manager places a computer on a network to interact with other systems” (Hunt, 2002, pp.1). Therefore, the diversity in functionality and specialty of each one of the two stands as a reason for distinction. It clears the confusion that many people, especially non-IT have concerning the two. The effects of the distinction on management of networks and systems Having learnt the reason for the distinction, it is important to discuss the effects that such distinctions have on management of networks and systems.

A clear distinction of network and system administration creates a clear guideline on the diversity of their management. The effect is seen in the ways both of them are handled to achieve their required purposes in IT industry. For example, a system administrator gets a distinct job description from a network manager. Systems administrators create backups that support an organization running system while network managers create a ground for growing not only the company network system but also the rest of the system the company is networked to.

For effective system management, end users serve a great deal in the success of the system. The distinction between network and system administration sets different mandates on each one of them. System administrators have the responsibility to enhance a smooth running of the system. They do this through supervising and training users on how well they can use the system to serve the purpose of the organization. On the other hand, network administrators deal with security, connectivity, and integrity and server disposition within a company.

This mandate makes the organization’s management set system administrators as consultants in computer problems while network managers stands at the top of technical support team to maintain connectivity within the company and the entire network. Their distinct mandates enhance their skills and competence in the field above every other user in the company. Conclusion Therefore, distinguishing between system administration and network administration is important for many reasons. One of them is making a clear definition of specialties and purpose of both in a company setup.

Knowing the difference between them creates a ground for understanding why one cannot serve in place of the other. Though at some point they may be depended on each other, the relationship does not make them equal. Their clear distinctions keep them unique hence dividing the roles of the specialists in each field. Referencing Burgess, M. (Eds.). (2004). Principles of Network and System Administration. West Sussex, England: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Hunt, C. (2002). TCP/IP Network Administration.

North Sebastopol, CA: O’Reilly Media, Inc. Whirlpool. (2006). Network Vs. System Administration. Whirlpool forums. Retrieved from: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/541633