Many smaller companies seek well qualified applicants to fill technical IT and data center positions. However, once these new employees are onboard, companies often forget to have a plan in place to continuously migrate their skill sets to keep pace with the newest versions of equipment and software. Too often it is left to the concept of osmosis, believing that if they are surrounded by the newest software and equipment, they will naturally absorb all of the latest features and configuration setting options.
By investing in conferences, classes, books, and manufacturer consultation time, as well as free options such as trade magazines, webinars, and white papers, the investment in time and money can bring a higher level of understanding and expertise in working with the various software programs and equipment. As technology evolves in data storage, data backup, networking, data center cooling, and related technologies, it is important to not take the people factor for granted.
It is not always just about what your systems are doing, but rather what they could be doing. Proper training provides insight into data storage and networking equipment and software. This insight can help systems run smoother, more accurately, and reliably. In a down economy where personnel are stretched thin and asked to do more with less, It is even more critical to ensure that efficiency through knowledge is leveraged as best as possible.
Often troubleshooting is left up to 3rd party staff. Training is not meant to replace efficient use of 3rd party staff such as manufacturer technicians, but rather to improve the efficiency and understanding of what they are or need to do. This better allows for open discussions that better align to the business’ processes and needs. Such collaboration is essential, but cannot be attained without a common basis of understanding on the base concepts let alone the more intricate technical details.
My simple message is that when creating an annual IT budget, special care needs to be made to include time and resources for training. Don’t overlook the people aspect of your business’ IT mission.
Don Wilcox
dwilcox@dataspan.com
Added on 08/22/2011
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