external analysts who evaluate a company's IT systems to help them meet their business objectives. Their primary duties include analyzing and diagnosing a company's IT infrastructure, understanding a client's business needs, and designing and implementing a technology solution.

• Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.• Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.• Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.• Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.• Monitor suppliers to ensure that they efficiently and effectively provide needed goods or services within budgetary limits.

Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.Related occupationsPerform data backups and disaster recovery operations.Related occupationsDiagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.Related occupationsConfigure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.Related occupationsOperate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate computer network access and use.

• Back up network data.• Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.• Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.• Document network support activities.

• Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.• Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.• Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.• Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.