• evaluating user needs and system
functionality;
• ensuring that ICT facilities meet the needs of individuals and projects;
• planning, developing and implementing the ICT budget, obtaining
competitive prices from suppliers, where appropriate, to ensure cost
effectiveness;
• scheduling upgrades and security backups of hardware and software
systems;
• researching and installing new systems;
• ensuring the smooth running of all ICT systems, including anti-virus
software, print services and email provision;
• ensuring that software licensing laws are adhered to;
• providing secure access to the network for remote users;
• ensuring the security of data from internal and external attack;
• providing users with appropriate support and advice;
• managing crisis situations, which may involve complex technical hardware
or software problems;
• mentoring and training new ICT support staff;
• keeping up to date with the latest technologies.
• ensuring quality of service by
gaining a thorough and detailed knowledge of technical specifications and
other features of employers' systems;
• maintaining awareness and keeping abreast of constantly changing
software, hardware systems and peripherals;
• understanding customers' varying, often quite specific, business needs
and applying knowledge of the company's products to meet those needs;
• developing effective sales plans;
• marketing and promoting products by writing and designing sales
literature;
• presenting and demonstrating products;
• providing technical advice to customers on all aspects of the
installation and use of computer systems and networks, both before and
after the sale;
• advising on software features and how they can be applied to assist in a
variety of contexts, for instance in accounting or other specialised
areas;
• meeting sales targets set by managers;
• identifying and developing new business and clients through networking,
courtesy and follow-up calls to new account holders, and cold-calling;
• maintaining existing links with customers;
• providing support to customers, often on a telephone helpline, offering
clear advice and solutions wherever possible;
• handling hardware or software problems and faults;
• assisting customers to maximise their use of the hardware or software;
• writing technical proposals, tenders, reports and supporting literature;
• reviewing progress and identifying opportunities for further sales and
new areas for development.
• meeting with clients to determine
requirements;
• working with clients to define the scope of a project;
• planning timescales and the resources needed;
• clarifying a client's system specifications, understanding their work
practices and the nature of their business;
• travelling to customer sites;
• liaising with staff at all levels of a client organisation;
• defining software, hardware and network requirements;
• analysing problems and making recommendations;
• developing agreed solutions and implementing new systems;
• presenting solutions in written or oral reports;
• helping clients with change-management activities;
• project managing the design and implementation of preferred solutions;
• purchasing systems, where appropriate;
• designing, testing, installing and monitoring new systems;
• preparing documentation and presenting progress reports to customers;
• organising training for users and other consultants;
• being involved in computer sales and support and, where appropriate,
maintaining contact with client organisations.
• liaising extensively with external or
internal clients;
• producing project feasibility reports;
• translating client requirements into highly specified project briefs;
• identifying options for potential solutions and assessing them for both
technical and business suitability;
• creating logical and innovative solutions to complex problems;
• drawing up specific proposals for modified or replacement systems;
• presenting proposals to clients;
• working closely with developers and a variety of end users to ensure
technical compatibility and user satisfaction;
• ensuring that budgets are adhered to and deadlines met;
• drawing up a testing schedule for the complete system;
• overseeing the implementation of a new system;
• planning and working flexibly to a deadline;
• writing user manuals;
• providing training to users of a new system;
• keeping up to date with technical as well as industry sector
developments.
