System Administrator Appreciation Day is held at the end of July and since 1999 this IT-focused event has been run in order honour and appreciate the contributions of IT professionals. As we enter August, it is an appropriate time to reflect upon the contribution of IT to business life.
With this in mind, executives from Datadobi and Folio Photonics explain to Digital Journal about the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of system administrators.
According to Manu Heirbaut, Vice President of Engineering, at Datadobi the event is about extending appreciation to those roles and activities that largely remain hidden from view. As Heirbaut says: “SysAdmin Day reminds us of the significance of those working tirelessly to provide IT services to their respective organizations around the globe.”
In terms of the valuable tasks performed: “System Administrators deserve recognition for their efforts to maintain organizational infrastructure for everyone, and we must be mindful of their importance not only on SysAdmin Day but every day.”
In terms of building a foundation for the future, Heirbaut states: “We can do this by investing in their craft and providing them with tools to automate tasks and address financial, sustainability, and organizational challenges associated with systems, improving the value of unstructured data. These unstructured data solutions can improve SysAdmins’ jobs and streamline business processes to make their work even more efficient.”
The second commentator is Steve Santamaria, CEO, of Folio Photonics. Santamaria concentrates on the mental agility involved in undertaking the IT role: “Sysadmins are the unsung heroes of the business world, whose importance cannot be overstated. They are the masterminds behind the scenes, tirelessly working to keep technology systems running smoothly and seamlessly. Without their expertise, businesses would face constant disruptions, downtimes, and vulnerabilities.”
Focusing on the tasks performed, Santamaria extends his assessment: “These dedicated professionals ensure the reliability and availability of critical systems, enabling employees to work efficiently and without hindrance. They are the guardians of data security, implementing robust measures to protect sensitive information from ever-evolving cyber threats.”
There are other important duties, which Santamaria outlines: “Sysadmins also play a crucial role in disaster recovery planning, ensuring that organizations can swiftly recover from unforeseen incidents and maintain uninterrupted operations. Their tireless efforts in integrating new technologies, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing prompt support to end-users ensure that businesses stay at the forefront of innovation and maximize productivity. Sysadmins possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise, continuously adapting to new technologies and industry best practices to keep businesses ahead of the curve.”
Sysadmins are often vital to the success of organizations. From protecting sensitive data in healthcare to ensuring secure financial transactions, their activities maintain the integrity and efficiency of IT systems.
