When you think about information technology (IT) in the business world, you must give weight to all the functions that employers, organizations and companies throw to information systems. The transmission of data must be smooth and effective from one place to another, and data must be kept safe when stored or analyzed. Several different people work in the IT field and in this department for any one company, including network architects, network engineers, and database administrators. Network and IT managers also play a very important role.

The career path for an IT or network manager begins with his undergraduate degree in the field. Bachelor degrees in network and IT management are offered by both traditional colleges and online universities. The college or university you choose may have the technology management program as a degree program of its own. Or the college may offer it as a concentration of the regular computer science bachelor degree .

In either case, topics covered in a network management program include directory services, Microsoft network and Linux operating systems. The program will teach other concepts related to computer networks, such as routing protocols, wireless technologies and basic and advanced courses in networking.

Network Setup

A primary function of IT managers is the setup of computer networks, including local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). A LAN is the computer network inside an office; a WAN is often composed of several local networks connected together. Creating these networks often involves using several pieces of hardware, including routers, switches, or even bridges, depending on the overall purpose of your network.

Updating Computer Technology

One of the major responsibilities often given to IT managers is the upgrading or selection of hardware and software for the network. This may include anything from deciding on the type of computers an organization should buy, the operating system to go with and the specific network software to implement. In this capacity, the network manager works with additional individuals, such as accounting or inventory personnel.

Training and Supporting Employees

Network and IT managers are frequently the “go-to” person for training employees in the area of computers and technology. If any support is needed during work hours, employees traditionally call on network managers or their assistants to help. In addition, the network manager is responsible for overall training, including creating materials and planning educational sessions. The network manager may help company employees learn new software or hardware, or instruct on using technology responsibly.

Salaries for IT managers and network managers can be quite lucrative, especially if you find yourself in a position supporting a large IT department or IT firm. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, for May 2009, the average salary for network managers was aroun...