Information systems technician

Information systems technician (or "Information technician"; abrreviation: "IT") refers to an industrial occupation whose responsibility is maintaining communications and computer systems. ITs may also refer to individuals that help design and develop information and graphic content.

Private sector

Information systems technicians operate and maintain information systems, facilitating system utilization. In many companies, these technicians assemble data sets and other details needed to build databases. This includes data management, procedure writing, writing job setup instructions, and performing program librarian functions. ITs assist in designing and coordinating the development of integrated information system databases. ITs also help maintain Internet and Intranet websites. They decide how information is presented and create digital multimedia and presentation using software and related equipment.

ITs install and maintain multi-platform networking computer environments, a variety of data networks, and a diverse set of telecommunications infrastructures. ITs schedule information gathering for content in a multiple system environment. ITs are responsible for the operation, programming, and configuration of many pieces of electronics, hardware and software. ITs also investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve end-user problems. ITs conduct ongoing assessments of short and long-term hardware and software needs for companies, developing, testing, and implementing new and revised programs.

Information systems technicians cooperate with other staff to inventory, maintain and manage computer and communication systems. ITs provide communication links and connectivity to the department in an organization, serving to equipment modification and installation tasks. This includes:
* "local area networks" : computer network covering a local area, like a home, office or small group of buildings such as a college.
* "wide area networks" : computer network covering a wide geographical area, involving a vast array of computers.
* "minicomputer systems" : multi-user computers which make up the middle range of the computing spectrum, usually single-user systems (such as personal computers).
* "macrocomputer systems" : Usually large multi-user systems (such as mainframe computers) for bulk data processing such as censuses, industry/consumer statistics, ERP, and bank transaction processing.
* associated peripheral devicesAdditionally, ITs can conduct training and provide technical support to end-users, providing this for a departments (sometimes across multiple organizations).

Military

The "Information Systems Technician" is a Naval and Coast Guard specific job, also known as an enlisted rating (often called MOS by some armed services). The other Armed Forces have similar positions, but with different titles utilized (Computer Systems Operator in the Army, Radioman in the Marines, etc.) ITs are responsible for operating and diagnosing to the electronic equipment used to send and receive messages, radio communications, computers, telecommunications equipment, and networking gear. The IT rating is also responsible for ensuring defensive information dominance, where as another rating Cryptologic Technician Networks (CTN) is responsible for the offensive side of information dominance.

The IT rating is one of the most diverse ratings in the US Navy. The IT rating evolved from a combination of two previous Navy ratings - Radioman (RM) and Data Processing Technician (DP). A third rating, Cryptologic Technician Communications (CTO) merged with IT in October, 2005.

The IT rating is one of the few ratings that can qualify in all aspects of Naval Warfare, such as:
* "Aircrew" - responsible for the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the radios, computers, antennas, networking, and cryptographic equipment on TACAMO and AWACS missions.
* "Seabee"
* "Surface Warfare" - responsible for maintaining communication links, troubleshooting radio and computer equipment, satellite communications, cryptographic equipment, and is responsible for the administration of the shipboard LAN, WAN links, and servers/networking equipment.
* "Small Boat Warfare"
* "Fleet Marine Force" (FMF) - responsible for landing after the Marines have secured an area to set up Fleet Communications, networking, and cryptographic equipment to support Joint Communications within a battlefield environment. This includes configuring JWICS,Defense Message System, and AUTODIN communications in order for combatants to maintain command communications and control superiority.
* "SEAL"
* "SWCC"
* "Subsurface"

"note": The subsurface IT program is still in the planning stages, currently FTs and ETs handle Subsurface IT work.

"note": 98C (35N) Signal Intelligence Analyst (Linguist)

External articles and references

* " [http://www.dpa.ca.gov/textdocs/specs/s1/s1360.txt Information Systems Technician Series] ", California State Personnel Board. June 28, 1972.