Computer Technology Essays - Systems Analysis, Systems Analyst

Computer Technology The Net, a feature film from Sony Pictures, details the high-tech drama of Angela Bennett (played by Sandra Bullock) who is a computer systems analyst. When she accidentally gains access to a classified program, she becomes trapped in a web of mystery and conspiracy. However, the film failed to win over movie audiences and one reason might be that most people in the movie going public are still unaware as to exactly what a computer systems analyst does. According to Webster's New World Dictionary (1359-1360), a computer systems analyst is someone who designs an efficient computer system for a particular business, project, etc., while the process of analyzing systems is defined as an engineering technique that breaks down complex technical, social, etc. problems into basic elements whose interrelations are evaluated and programmed, with the aid of mathematics, into a compete and Integrated system. While it is true that today's high-technology world demands the competitive organization employs computer systems analysts in order to integrate their information, management, accounting, manufacturing and distribution sales systems. This analysis will describe the typical responsibilities of the computer systems analyst, including the job market and outlook for the career that may be one of the most misunderstood occupations in modern times. The computer systems analysts is often misunderstood because they speak a techno-language that sounds more Greek than Greek, with common words like Sat, FoxPro, VB-4, C++ Himmelberg (8G), often leaving non-analysts scratching their heads. However, the development of efficient software and hardware systems is an increasingly essential and vital function to business operations and success. Despite the usually unknown methods and skills of the computer systems analyst, they are not a solitary player in the organization but rather an integrated member of a team. In their efforts to design effective computer systems whose hardware and software enables the organization to operate smoothly and competitively, the analyst must often work with all persons involved in the flow of information within the company. They deal with programmers, clients, managers and others to develop and implement different software to enable the company to take maximum advantage of managing information and achieving competitive advantage with technology. The typical systems development life cycle is as follows: 1) Initiation, 2) Project Planning, 3) Analysis, 4) Logical Design, 5) Physical Design, 6) Implement, 7) Maintain (What 3). The systems analysts must understand that information systems are a combination of process and data. There are key differences between process orientation and data orientation but most system needs have a combination of elements of the two or use both orientations to a degree. The main distinctions between a process-oriented system and a data oriented system are listed in the table below: PROCESS ORIENTATION DATA ORIENTATION Focuses on what the system is supposed to do Data the system needs to operate Data files are designed for each individual application Data needs do not change as Rapidly as processed Much controlled duplication Data files designed for enterprise Limited, controlled duplication (What 5) Throughout the public and private sectors, computer systems are needed for a variety of purposes and to perform a variety of functions. From hooking up local area Frag networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs) to ordering, implementing or even designing customized software. The following duties or services are some of the most common ones performed by these often mysterious workers. Analyze and find computer solutions to clients' information processing, database or computation needs; Write requirement specifications for computer programs, identifying steps in the program and required algorithms; Test and implement computer programs and provide user training; Plan and implement computer security systems for database access control; Analyze databases, develop database directories and generate and maintain databases; and Supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders (Computer 1). Because of the highly technical nature of their field, computer systems analysts are one of the most sought after occupations today, both by those seeking to find employment and those searching to employ them. In fact, there is such a demand for computer systems analysts at the moment, that they often make a terrific base salary and are wooed by companies. These companys offer them many benefits that go along with being a computer systems analysts, like good wages,