Reliable technology is assured by
complying with standards for selecting, configuring, and upgrading
hardware and software systems. Software standards
determine the specifications for the operating system architecture,
interoperability (data-sharing compatibility), software, and
data security code. Hardware standards address reliability, performance,
and compatibility requirements for the server, network
system, and data storage devices. Vendor products must
pass an IT compatibility test verifying that the hardware, operating
system, and software applications all interact efficiently
and meet user-driven requirements. A dedicated group of trained
IT specialists selects, maintains, and supports the hardware/
software platform and staffs the help desk. IT staff members
are certified, use industry best practices, and access expertise
provided by vendor-supported service programs. They also attend
education courses to keep knowledge and skills current
with newly implemented or emerging technology. The management
of IT operations relies on proven practices to ensure the
reliability of hardware and software systems. IT specialists develop
software using a systematic Application Development