background: I work as a network admin in a small firm (1 Netware file server, more recently a Win2000 Terminal server has been added, 26 workstations, a standalone to collect the email and run some programs).
I was hired with the expectation that only part of my time would be spent in the ‘network admin role’. This is the way it has always been, part accountant, part network admin. I was a comp. science student doing an accounting minor, the role looked good to me.
However, now I am realising that there has never been a network admin with any training. Consequently the system is very very lacking. Mostly the problem is bad documentation. But also with the previous networks admins primary responsibility being accounting, they had a ‘fixit quick and get back to work’ mentality.
I have worked in this firm for 18months now, and have really only been allowed to get my hands dirty (the previous Network admin still works here, and has been made to do more ‘accounting’). I say all this to show you just how low a priority this firms places on the role of network admin.
During the last 3 months I have been a full-time network admin, I have gotten my way, gained respect, and am using what knowledge I have a(and am gaining by reading sites like this one)to create a system that will evolve with the firm.
I was just chatting with the previous network admin (did I mention he still works here), and he seems to think the role is unnessecary ..”the users have a certain level of computer knowledge, to help them we only need to have a low knowledge, if the problem requires high knowledge we call DMS, they are reasonably priced”
DMS is a company that looks after our network, helps us plan the direction of our infrastructure, and if problems are too hard for me, I call them. I am happy with this, not just because I work with them when they fix things, ask alot of questions and come away with more knowledge.
Am I needed in a firm this size?
Or at least is a full-time network admin needed in a firm this size, do you think a part-time network admin would do?
Is documentation needed in a firm this size?
I say a definite ‘YES’ do the documentation (despite the previous network admins comments in the lunchroom).
But should my job really be a full-time one? I know most of my time at the moment is spent on pro-active issues, ie making things better for the users. One of the things I am working on at home is Word macros for all the templates etc.
I am really after confirmation of just how much time does a network admin need to spend being a network admin in a firm this size.
Thanks,
Cassie
