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Web Systems Administration

Web systems administrators are really network administrators who have chosen to specialize in web server administration. Their primary responsibilities include setting up, monitoring, upgrading and troubleshooting the web servers and maintaining the external connections to the Internet. Since web applications are often accessed by company employees and frequently involve connections to databases, web systems administrators will interface often with database administrators (DBAs) and the network administrators that maintain the company's network infrastructure. Therefore, in addition to training in supporting web servers, web systems administrators often have training in database development and design and network operating systems (NOSs). Commonly used web servers are Apache, which is available on a variety of computer platforms and Microsoft's Internet Information Server (IIS).^xii

So which server software should you train to support…Apache or IIS? Both, of course! If you can only afford the time (and money) to train on one platform, pick either one. You have an equal chance of running into IIS or Apache out in the field. If you are already working for a company and you are training to move into their web systems administration group, get training in the server technology they are currently using.

Let's take an in-depth look at network administration positions to give you a better feel for the nitty-gritty details of the job.

Entry Level Job Profile - Web Systems Administrator

Equivalent Job Titles - Webmaster, Web Administrator, Web Server Administrator, Web Technician.

Average Compensation - $60,033^xiii

Responsibilities - Although tasks can overlap with other areas of web development in small organizations, pure web administration positions would cover the following:

Administration, installation and maintenance of web servers
Selection of appropriate web server platform and operating system - Which web server should the company use – Apache or IIS? Should it be hosted on a UNIX, Linux or Windows box? When should the company upgrade to a new version of the web server software? The web administrator has to make these calls.
Advise on the selection of web development tools - Gives assistance to the web publishing group during the selection of web development tools (Dreamweaver, FrontPage, GoLive, etc.).
Ensure routine back-ups of the web servers occur.
Prepare and implement disaster recovery plans - Fire, flooding, theft, security breaches and equipment failures can all lead to loss of data and systems capabilities. Customers normally expect a web site to be operating and available 24/7. Having a plan to smoothly and efficiently recover from failures is essential.
Generate web site statistics reports - Upper management, web publishing, sales, marketing, accounting and fulfillment will all be interested in how users are using your web site. This information is invaluable when deciding how to update your site and which areas are the most popular.
Ensure security is adequate on the web servers - There will always be nefarious or inquisitive individuals attempting to breach your site. Installation and maintenance of a firewall, anti-virus software, traffic logs and security patches (for the web server and system software) are your best lines of defense.
Evaluate new hardware and software for possible adoption at your company.
Maintain connection to the Internet - This includes negotiation with third party ISPs and telecommunication companies to provide needed bandwidth and connectivity.
Maintenance of user accounts - Content on a web site or intranet is not necessarily available to everyone. Individual user accounts must be created to give appropriate personnel access to the information they need.

Skills - To successfully perform these duties, you would need to possess the following skills:

Knowledge of current web server software and network operating systems - Most companies prefer employees with formal training.
Troubleshooting ability - Hardware and software, being man-made, can malfunction from time to time. Most companies strive for 99.5% up time on their web sites. Therefore, diagnosing and repairing problems quickly is critical.
Flexibility - Since your web site and intranet operate 24/7, you are often on call (with a cell phone and pager) on nights or weekends to be available to respond to problems.
Even temperment - If the web site is down, many departments may be harassing you about repairing it. People don't usually mean to be cruel or overly demanding, but when mission critical systems like a web site are not working, tempers can flare. The ability to shrug off abuse and work well under pressure are admirable qualities.
Basic programming/script writing skills - In setting up servers and software, some amount of scripting (writing small programs or commands) will be required.
Excellent communication skills - Communicating needs to upper management, pursuing solutions with third party vendors and working in conjunction with other system administrators requires being able to express your thoughts clearly and succinctly.

Education - A two- or four-year college degree and/or equivalent training at a technical institute is extremely desirable. However, most four-year colleges do not offer degrees in web system administration. Usually, the degree you would pursue is computer science, information systems or electrical and computer engineering and you would fill out elective course slots with system administration courses. Another possibility is obtaining a two-year degree in networking and system administration and transferring to a four-year institution to pursue a four-year degree in web development. Although the web development curriculum will not provide a lot of hands on experience in configuring web servers, it will provide you with skills that will allow you to work more effectively with the web publishing group.

Certifications - Obtaining the following certifications will most likely set you apart from other job candidates:

Checkpoint Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) and Checkpoint Certified Security Engineer (CCSE) - Security is a hot skill set to possess in web administration. Checkpoint is one of the largest providers of firewall and other networking security technology. Their certification program tests familiarity with Checkpoint security products. (www.checkpoint.com/services/education/certification)
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) - Specifically designed for professionals who implement, manage, and troubleshoot existing Windows 2000-based systems, including Windows .NET Server. Currently a four part exam with three core exams and one elective exam. However, since there are many elective exams that cover the web administration and development products, you may want to take more than one elective exam. Additional elective exams can be applicable towards an MCSE certification, which is also highly desirable. (www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) - Web administration involves a lot of routing. These two Cisco certifications test general networking theory as well as familiarity with Cisco routing and switching equipment and Cisco protocols. Since Cisco is one of the largest worldwide providers of routing and switching equipment, these certifications are well known and the experience gained training for them should be applicable at many businesses. (www.cisco.com)
I-Net+ - A non-vendor specific certification sponsored by CompTIA. The i-Net+ exam was specifically designed to certify entry-level Internet and e-commerce technical professionals responsible for participating in the maintenance of Internet, Intranet and Extranet infrastructure and services as well as the development of Web-related applications. (www.comptia.org)
Apache Server 1.3.12 Administration - Brainbench is an organization that offers over 350 IT tests including many certification exams. Their Apache HTTP Server 1.3.12 Administration test measures your knowledge on the Apache HTTP Server 1.3.12. This test covers the following topics: Apache API, Common Tasks, General Knowledge, Performance Tuning, Security, Server Administration, Server Configuration, and Server Setup. It is designed for experienced Apache server administrators. This test is endorsed by the International Webmasters Association (IWA). (www.brainbench.com)

There are many other vendor specific certifications that can be obtained. Check employment advertisements closely to help determine which certifications employers consider important today.