---

What exactly do you
do for a living?

I was talking recently with a member of a local business association and trying to explain to him exactly what our company does. After a few minutes of this, he dismissed me with the phrase, "Well, I don't know much about computers anyway." Certainly, in this situation, I could have done a better job of explaining myself, but many of my colleagues also have shared the same experience. We think it's so easy to describe what we do, but sometimes, we just can't get the idea across.

Part of the problem is that we've changed our title at least half a dozen times in the past 20 years. First, we were data processors. Then we were systems people. After that the term IS was born, but we were never really sure if that stood for Information Systems, Information Services, or Information Sciences. Most recently, we changed IS to IT, and most of us agree that T stands for Technology, although I'm sure you make fun of us behind our backs and claim the T stands for something else.

This has resulted in the following conversation, which must be repeated at least a million times a day:

"So what do you do for a living?"

"I work in IT."

"IT? What's that?"

"Information Technology."

"So...you...?"

"I work with computers."

"Why didn't you just say that?"

The reason why most IT folks don't start with that is because there is a pretty big difference among the types of work one can do with a computer. In today's column, we'll try to define the major classifications of these organizations. What gets confusing is that many companies perform a combination of the services listed below, but for the most part, this is it.

» Internet Service Provider (ISP) -- An ISP provides you with a connection to the Internet. This connection can be dial-up, or via broadband such as DSL or cable. Popular ISPs in Hawaii are Verizon Hawaii (awaiting regulatory approval to become Hawaiian Telcom), Hawaii OnLine (a division of Pacific Lightnet), Road Runner, Lavanet, and others.

» Managed Service Provider (MSP) -- An MSP provides you the ability to use software applications without having to worry about any of the underlying components. You get the use of a software package, such as an accounting or e-mail system, without having to worry about the hardware, network, or other facilities that may be required. Usually, all technical support and maintenance is provided by the MSP. These folks are sometimes called Application Service Providers (ASP), or outsourcers.

» Networking -- By now most people know about local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN). Such networks can be either wired in the traditional manner, while wireless networks are becoming more and more en vogue. A networking shop concentrates on implementing such networks. As we've mentioned before, everybody knows somebody who can put together a network. The real question is, who's going to take care of it when Uncle Jimmy is at his day job? Good networking shops always provide some sort of support and maintenance program.

» PC Repair -- This one is pretty self-explanatory. These guys fix computers. Some will do on-site calls, some require you to bring in your hardware to their shop. Popular repair shops in Hawaii include Cowabunga and Royal Data Services.

» Retail outlets -- These folks sell hardware, software, and just about anything related to computers. Locally, these include the so-called big box stores like CompUSA and Circuit City, as well as web-based retailers like Dell.

» Software Developers -- Software Developers build applications that you can't buy off the shelf. These could be something as mundane as a simple Web site, or it could be a complex manufacturing control system for the biotech industry. Usually, a software developer will help you determine your needs, design and construct the application(s), assist with installation, and provide follow-on support.

» Strategists/Planners/Analysts -- Often generically known as consultants, these folks help you figure out how to take advantage of technology for your business or organization. Interestingly enough, not all of these folks will actually help you implement the technologies they recommend.

» Systems Integrators -- Unless you are a unique operation, you will, more often than not, be able to satisfy most of your needs with commercial off the shelf (COTS) products. The problem with this, however, is that you might need several different products to satisfy all of your needs. Many times, these products are not designed to work with each other. A Systems Integrator takes these various products, sometimes hardware, sometimes software, and makes them work together.

» Training -- Another self-explanatory one. These organizations provide education geared to two distinct groups of people. First, for end-users, a variety of courses are provided that teach you how to use popular software packages, such as office productivity, graphics development or even computer aided design (CAD). For IT professionals (or those aspiring to be IT professionals), numerous hardware- and software-related courses are available. Popular training organizations in Hawaii include Terabiz, Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training (PCATT), and Computer Training Academy (CTA).

Finally, at the bottom of the food chain is the profession known as "technology columnist." This includes business people, scientists, and sometimes even professional journalists who get on their soapboxes to educate the masses. But why would you want to listen to them?

---