Systems Operations

Systems Operations refers to a team, or possibly even a department within the IT group, which is responsible for the running of the centralised systems and networks.

Systems Operations personnel have 3 main types duty. Firstly they will run the day to day procedures for each of the main systems. Whilst these operations may well be automated, a systems operator will execute and oversee the operation. Secondly, they will perform routine housekeeping procedures on the systems, reviewing error logs and responding to any problems which occur day to day. Thirdly, Systems Operations personnel will run end of day and 'end of period' (e.g. monthly) procedures which will include the creation of backup copies of all the key data files across the systems.

From the above, it will be noted the Systems Operations do not concern themselves with development, testing or the functionality of the various software applications being run. Their task is focussed upon maintaining maximum 'up-time' by keeping all system and networks running efficiently.