System administrators are also responsible for maintaining - and if necessary implementing - the backup and recovery policy. The same applies to the updating of new versions of the operating system and application software, and the implementation of policies on the use of the computer system and network. The system administrator is also responsible for setting security policies for users and for identity management. The system administrator takes care of user accounts, permissions, access rights and storage allocation. They offer technical support and troubleshooting for hardware and software problems with servers and storage devices. The same specialist handles issues related to application and database server operations. Thorough research is conducted to support system software procurement and development efforts on products, service protocols and standards to be implemented. All tasks performed by an administrator in an organisation require a stable Internet connection, which is maintained by the system administrator. For example, work emails can only be sent and received successfully if the mail servers are working properly.
Untimely and inadequately organised maintenance and repairs can cause significant downtime or have fatal consequences. A good system administrator will ensure and guarantee that this does not happen.
An essential attribute of a good systems administrator is an in-depth knowledge of computer software, hardware and networks. The administrator must design, then organise, modify and support the organisation's computer systems. These professionals update and monitor everything we classify as software and hardware.