jackprabha's blog

A service level agreement (SLA) is a contract between a business and its customer outlining the details that the two parties have agreed to in a transaction. The types of SLAs that an organization can use depends on many significant aspects. While some are targeted at individual customer groups, others discuss issues relevant to entire companies. This is because the needs of one user differ from those of another. Below is a list of the types of SLAs used by businesses today, and how each one is utilized for specific situations:


Customer-based SLA


This type of agreement is used for individual customers and comprises all relevant services that a client may need, while leveraging only one contract. It contains details regarding the type and quality of service that has been agreed upon. For example, a telecommunication service includes voice calls, messaging and internet services, but that all exists under a single contract.


Service Based SLA


This SLA is a contract that includes one identical type of service for all of its customers. Because the service is limited to one unchanging standard, it is more straightforward and convenient for vendors. For example, using a service-based agreement regarding an IT helpdesk would mean that the same service is valid for all end-users that sign the service-based SLA.


Multi-level SLA


This agreement is customized according to the needs of the end-user company. It allows the user to integrate several conditions into the same system to create a more suitable service.

Are you looking to start a career in IT? Or, are you an IT service desk professional wishing to explore opportunities for career advancement, but unsure of your next step? In either instance—whether you're jumping into a brand-new IT career or advancing your existing one—this course can provide you with a foundational mapping of the careers and certifications you might want to consider. Instructor Fancy Mills covers a variety of career paths at all levels, from service desk analyst to service desk manager. She also explores different certifications related to service desk roles, and discusses the future of the IT service desk.


A Help Desk Analyst is typically paid an average salary of around $52,000 annually. Not all help desk analysts need post-secondary education to do their jobs well, but those who earn an associate's degree can often go further in this field. Professionals who want to specialize in more technical help desk analyst roles may need to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science or information science in order to land higher paying jobs in this field.

A Linux System Administrator takes care of computers running on the Linux operating systems. The professional will handle the support infrastructure, operating systems, virtual platforms, and applications. The administrator is responsible for the integrity and security of the servers and computer systems by following established security protocols and practices.


These professionals work in collaboration with the computer system engineer to install the system. The Linux administrator ensures the systems are updated with changing technologies. They are in charge of the installation of new software, granting permissions, and training users for the applications.


The Linux administrator has an active role in patching, compiling, securing, and troubleshooting Linux servers in a heterogeneous environment. The professional performs system updates and server configurations. They are responsible for implementing changes in multiple environments from development to production. The professional may also develop scripts with various languages, such as Bash, Python, and PHP.


Source: What is a Linux System Administrator

It is natural when you own a computer to become attached to it to a certain degree. This is also true if you work in a company that uses computers, you can become attached to the computer that helps you do your work. But many times our computers have issues and we are far to invested in them to take notice. Sometimes we are also far to invested in our business to notice the same problems. Bottom line, when a problem first starts, an expert needs to have a look as soon as possible.


1. Little problems nearly always become big problems


There are several key things that a casual computer user does on a daily basis that can result in a massive problem down the road. These same problems are then repeated by people in the work place, because people have similar computer habits at work that they have at home.


Over use of cleaning programs and efficiency scanners.

Refusal to acknowledge error messages.

Failure to clean out old programs and files.

Not getting routine maintenance.

 


When you don't correct these problems immediately they get worse. When problems get worse they eventually render the machine unusable. A trip to the computer repair person is needed and comes at a higher cost than it would have. Bottom line is that proper care of a computer and routine check ins with an expert are both important to proper health and your wallet. As much as you shouldn't go years without seeing your doctor, your computer should not go years without seeing it's doctor. 


2. Consider your problems before you take it to a repair person
As most computer repair people will tell you, "we are not mind readers, we need to know roughly what is wrong to be able to fix it". You don't need to have a degree to be able to notice what is wrong with your machine. But taking your computer to the repair person only to state that its acting "funny" does not help you, your computer, or your repair person. Proper communication can mean you get your device back faster than if they have to guess what is wrong. If your repair service comes to you they may need several days to fix a problem that could have been fixed faster with better communication. This can affect how efficient your business is.


3. All computers have an expiration date
We all wish our computer were stamped with a date when it is officially going to no longer function. But sadly, much like a car, they do not. This is due in part to advancements in replacement parts and systems. Even with steady replacement of bad parts, good care, and a proper use of a computer it will eventually die. Generally, this news is shared with you over the phone by your computer repair service. 

Of course, professional certifications will help you a lot in your career, especially when you don't have that much time and need to demonstrate knowledge. The key to success is to focus on certifications from recognized agencies that already have great appeal in the market.

For example, an excellent first certification option for anyone wanting to enter the information security field is  EXIN FS (ISO 27001-based Information Security Fundamentals) . Another good option is CompTIA Security +, an exam focused on practical skills, used daily by security professionals and has no prerequisites. Of course, there are several certifications considered inbound, but equally interesting, such as (ISC) ² SSCP - Systems Security Certified Practitioner, GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) and EC-Council Certified Security Specialist (ECSS).

In many cases you may be eager to get right to the top, so it is natural that certifications such as (ISC) CISSP or ISACA CISM seem a better option. Well, if you already have the knowledge and meet the prerequisites of experience, I would say that might be an interesting option, but if this is not your case, pursuing a more complex certification directly may not give the best of results. A good idea is to use simpler certifications as a springboard to prepare for more complex challenges, this is a great strategy!

Read more: CompTIA Project+ Certification


Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security certification focuses on the job of the network security engineer who is responsible for the security of routers, switches, network devices, and appliances, as well as for the selection, setup, support, and troubleshooting of firewalls, VPNs, and IDS / IPS. Solutions for network environments. The certification demonstrates the practical skills required to enforce cybersecurity, achieve high levels of security service, and meet compliance requirements.


Cisco has adapted its CCNP security certification as security needs evolve through trends such as the cloud and increased user mobility. The "old" exams can not be taken since April 22, 2014.
Since May 2011, CCNP Security has been replacing the Certified Security Professional (CCSP) as a Professional-level Cisco Security certification. 
requirementsTo be certified as Cisco Certified Network Professional Security, you must have certification as a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security .

User support (functional or technical) is an assistance provided by companies so that their customers can use their products or services. The purpose of technical support is to help users to solve certain problems.

Computer companies have technical support available to their users. The care is provided by phone, through the Internet or, in some cases, through visits by staff to the client's home. Technical support can help resolve a programming error in a software or a defective installation of hardware remotely.

The service may or may not include training or user training.

As a purpose, customer service mainly seeks to respond or solve queries or problems that customers may experience in relation to the use or consumption of the products or services they acquired from the company.


Read more: IT Technician Support