CIS 100a TEKnology – High Tech Exploration Introduction to High Tech

Dispelling the Myths Myth: High Tech Professionals are techie gear-heads with little interest in anything outside technology. Myth: High Tech Professionals possess a complete disregard for business concerns. Myth: You must have a Computer Science degree to get a high tech job.

Dispelling the Myths Myth: Once you join the ranks of High Tech, you’ll work in solitary confinement for the rest of your life, living only for weekend movie marathons on the SCI FI Channel. Myth: If you don’t understand acronym- speak, don’t even think of conversing with a High Tech Professional.

Organizational Professionals & Technology Professionals In the past, organizational professionals knew little or nothing about technology. Technology Professionals knew little or nothing about organizational problem-solving. Today both groups of professionals must be able to communicate and interact with each other. Some Organizational Professionals are also Technology Professionals.

Organizational Professionals The people who understand the implications of various organizational strategies. They evaluate and select various strategies without a thorough understanding of how to technically implement them. Make decisions based on the analysis and recommendations they are provided. To make good decisions they must understand what they are deciding and the implications of various alternatives.

Computer and Technology Professionals Understand the full details of how to implement development decisions. Without a full understanding of the full implications of applications on the organization.

The Technology-Business Connection The single-minded, tunnel-visioned, techno- speaking staff person has evolved! Now a multi-tasker who can move from a technical task to a management meeting, from network troubleshooting to organizational problem-solving. Hybrid professionals who possess technology, business and communication skills are needed.

New: Hybrid-Professionals The linchpin of a team. Can arrive at creative solutions to problems. Can turn abstract ideas about a business process into a system to improve the process.

Computer and Technology Professionals Project Managers Systems Analyst / Software Engineers Hardware Engineers Programmers User Interface Developers/Designers Network Administrators Database Administrators End User Support Specialists

Project Managers Each project needs a manager who understands how to combine the skills of organizational and computer professionals in order to have a successful development project. Come from either an organizational or computer background. Important to be able to mediate between differing viewpoints to help achieve an optimal outcome.

Systems Analyst/ Software Engineer System Analysts (SA) / Software engineers (SE) interact with the organizational professionals to analyze requirements and develop solutions. A senior systems analyst / software engineer usually acts as the project manager for a team developing a new system. Note: While some people make a distinction between systems analysts and software engineers there is no industry-wide consensus on a distinction in roles.

Systems Analyst/ Software Engineer: Major Functions Apply appropriate development methods and methodologies throughout project. Maintain knowledge of the relevant state of computing technology Identify needs and wants of the various groups of users and potential users Identify features of similar applications and systems that might be applied to the system under development

Systems Analyst/ Software Engineer: Major Functions Provide organizational managers with information so that they can make decisions about the development in an informed manner. Facilitate the involvement of users and stakeholders throughout the development. Develop suitable documentation for the project. Design and optimal system for the application. Supervise and participate in the construction, testing, and implementation of the system.

Programmers Programmers construct and /or modify, test, and install the software programs based on the design specification of the system. Systems analysts, who are in contact with users, or programmers who are only in contact with systems analysts and other computer professionals may do programming.

User Interface Developers/Designers Computer professionals who specialize in user interface (UE) development / human computer interaction (HCI). Optimize the users’ role in the system. Related professionals include ergonomists, usability specialists, and graphic designers. User interface developers combine existing design guidance with user testing to evaluate and improve the usability of systems.

Hardware Engineers- Computer and Electrical Design, build, test, and evaluate new computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, and peripheral devices. The goal of computer engineering is to produce computing devices that run efficiently and economically.

Network Administrators Keep a company’s computer network up and running 24/7. Every company who has a network has a network administrator. Handle several issues at once. Must have good communication skills.

Database Administrators Keeps company’s databases up and running 24/7. Examples of databases: E-commerce web sites (Amazon.com, JCPenney.com) Employee information (Intel, Fred Meyer) Patient information (Providence, Portland Clinic)

End User Support Specialists Help Desk Analyst – “front line” support for computer product Desktop Support Technician – sets up computer hardware, installs computer software Trainer – trains customers on company’s computer product(s)