A server administrator is in charge of a company’s computer servers, network, and workstations, and performs a variety of tasks to ensure that the company’s systems are up and running. He or she keeps an eye on the computer systems and network for any issues, and troubleshoots any that arise. Server administrators may work with servers running a variety of operating systems and are typically trained or certified each vendor. A server administrator must be prepared for any potential disaster and have a recovery plan in place because a company’s computer systems are usually a critical part of the organization.
Server administrators plan and manage the operating systems on the company’s servers, which may include installing programs, adding users, updating the operating system with the most recent patches, and managing the security policy. Because each server operating system has its own method of accomplishing these tasks, server administrators must be trained in each one and may be required to obtain vendor certification. He or she is also responsible for understanding how the servers’ components work, and a college degree in information systems, computer science, or information technology is often required. Many server administrators progress to their current position after working in a support or networking role and gaining valuable experience in the process.
Because the server must communicate with the company’s workstations, a server administrator also configures and manages the network. Setting up the company’s domain, installing new network services, and monitoring the network for potential problems are all part of this process. He or she usually keeps an eye on data flowing in and out of the network using the operating system’s monitoring utilities, and is also responsible for keeping the network secure; thus, a network administrator may respond to network security concerns tightening the network’s firewall settings.
A server administrator must be able to replace or add new hardware to servers, workstations, and network devices, as troubleshooting is a necessary skill. He or she may also be in charge of support tickets across the organization, and is expected to resolve any issues in a timely manner. Because critical issues can arise outside of normal business hours, some server administrators work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure that the company’s computer systems remain operational. When others are not using the systems, he or she may also perform data backups, install operating system updates, and perform maintenance tasks.