IT teams rarely look the exact same from one business to the next. Your IT department’s responsibilities and structure will be driven by a range of factors, from company size and business goals, to industry compliance requirements and security vulnerabilities.

Nonetheless, there are certain roles and responsibilities that all IT leaders should keep in mind – whether you’re building an IT department from scratch, or considering a restructure of your current resources.

What is an IT Department?

An IT department is the division within an organization that oversees technology-related tasks and responsibilities. In startups and small businesses, the IT department may consist of a single person who wears a variety of hats. In larger corporations, the IT department is often split into multiple specialized subdivisions with a large staff.

What Does the IT Department Do? Top 6 Responsibilities

No matter how many people you have on your team, certain areas of IT management are applicable to every business. Here are 6 key responsibilities of an IT department:

1. Maintaining Hardware and Software

IT departments are responsible for maintaining the hardware and software systems within an organization. This includes configuring and updating software applications, employee devices, servers, databases, and other IT infrastructure. IT departments are also responsible for troubleshooting issues that arise with these systems and providing technical support to users.

2. Monitoring System Performance

IT departments monitor the performance of the organization’s IT systems, including servers, networks, and databases. This helps to identify potential issues before they become critical and allows IT departments to take proactive steps to prevent downtime and system failures.

3. Data Storage and Backups

IT departments typically manage the organization’s data storage systems, which includes implementing solutions such as cloud storage. IT departments also ensure that data is backed up regularly and securely to prevent data loss in the event of a system failure or breach.

4. Cybersecurity

IT departments play a critical role in maintaining the security of an organization’s network. This includes implementing firewalls, antivirus software, and other security measures to protect against cyber threats. IT departments also manage user access to the network, ensuring that only authorized users have access to sensitive data and systems.

5. Application Management

IT departments are responsible for managing the organization’s critical apps and communication systems, including email, instant messaging, and video conferencing. IT departments ensure that these systems are available and reliable, and that they are secured against hacking and other cyber threats. As part of the onboarding process, IT departments also set employees up with login credentials and appropriate levels of access to the relevant apps.

6. Troubleshooting & IT Support

IT departments sometimes provide training and support to users within the organization. This includes training employees on how to use software applications and hardware systems, as well as providing troubleshooting and technical support when they encounter issues.

IT Department Structure and Roles

The structure of an IT department varies depending on a business’s size and needs. In this list, we will define the roles that are most important in a modern IT department.

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

The CTO is the head of the IT department, responsible for developing and implementing the company’s IT strategy. They work closely with other senior executives to ensure the IT department and business tech stack are in alignment with the organization’s goals, and they oversee the overall IT budget and resources.

IT Manager

The IT Manager’s responsibilities include general day-to-day operations of the IT department, managing the IT team, and ensuring that all IT projects are completed on time and within budget. They are also the main point of contact when ensuring all IT infrastructure is running smoothly and securely.

Network Administrator

The Network Administrator is the role in the IT department responsible for managing the organization’s computer network. They install, configure, and maintain network hardware and software, monitor network performance, and troubleshoot network issues as they arise.

System Administrator

Similarly, the System Administrator is responsible for managing the business’s computer systems, including servers, databases, and operating systems. They ensure that these systems are running smoothly and securely, and troubleshoot any problems as needed.

Security Administrator

The Security Administrator’s role in the IT department is to maintain the security of the organization’s IT infrastructure. They implement security measures to protect against cyber attacks, monitor the network for security threats, and respond to security incidents.

Application Developer

An Application Developer designs software applications to meet an organization’s specific requirements, usually if an out-of-the-box alternative is not available. They are responsible for writing code, testing applications, and ensuring apps are running smoothly.

Help Desk Support

The Help Desk Support team provides technical support to employees who are experiencing IT issues. They troubleshoot and resolve IT problems, either remotely or on-site at an office.

Database Administrator

The Database Administrator manages the organization’s databases, ensuring they are secure, reliable, and efficient. They also ensure data is backed up and can be restored in the event of a breach.

Web Developer

The Web Developer designs and develops websites and web applications. They are responsible for writing code, testing applications, and ensuring the smooth running of a company’s website.

In addition to these roles, larger IT department structures may include specialized teams for areas such as data analytics, cloud computing, and project management.

Can You Outsource Your IT Department?

Understandably, small businesses with limited resources can’t always afford to staff an entire IT team. But is it possible to have an outsourced IT department? Here are two ways to make your IT budget go further:

Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

In many ways, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can be considered an outsourced IT department. By providing your business with access to a team of experts and industry-leading technology, an MSP can help you achieve streamlined IT management at a fraction of the cost of an in-house team.

IT Management Tools

With the right IT management tools, you can boost the productivity of your existing IT team – even with limited in-house resources. Rather than completely outsourcing your IT department, this alternative allows you to automate a variety of IT tasks and make processes like employee onboarding and device management much more efficient.

Want to learn more about streamlining your IT management? Get in touch with Electric today.