Technology that powers the future

The communications industry has grown vastly, and continues doing so: technology has been the catalyst throughout. However, there exists a dearth of technical talent to support the revolution.

WITH so much talk about communications and convergence, technology has come to the forefront yet again. Voice- processing equipment, wireless technology, speech recognition software are being touted as rulers of the next generation communications technology. Professionals having the required skill sets are carving a niche for themselves, and will get to work on challenging and highly technical projects.

Some of these portfolios are:

DSP software engineers

Digital signal processing (DSP) involves manipulation of digital information, which includes compression and modulation of sound. This technology works behind speech recognition, convergence of voice and data in wired and wireless communications, in modems MP3/CD players, TVs, cell phones etc.

DSP software engineers code algorithms for modulation and demodulation. They work on signal compression and elimination of noise during digital communications. DSP engineers also engage in systems design, real-time DSP programming, implementation, algorithm simulation, debugging, system integration and testing.

Entry is reserved for persons with an engineering degree in electrical, electronics or computer science.

Knowledge of DSP/RISC programming including code optimisation for processor and memory usage is necessary. A good knowledge of C, C++, assembly programming languages and familiarity with embedded system development tools and environment is required.

Embedded systems engineers

Embedded systems are small units or components of a larger system. These are programmable components that perform a particular function. The chips responsible for providing the functionalities are based on embedded technology, that was until recently used only in microprocessors.

All digital appliances have embedded systems in them. Today, cell phones, TVs and music systems come with this technology and it is being deployed on the Net and in wireless communications as well.

An engineering degree in computer science, electrical, electronics is required.

As an embedded systems engineer, you need to have a good knowledge of both hardware and software. Knowledge of system architecture, internals and kernel functioning is necessary. Programming in C, C++, networking protocols, and knowledge of Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), mixed signal design, assembly language programming and working on real-time operating systems (RTOS) environment is required.

IC design engineers

The chips are made of semiconductor material and have as many as 100,000 components in them. This is referred to as VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration).

An engineering degree in electronics, electrical or computer science, with specialisation in VLSI design is required.

IC (Integrated circuit) chip design engineers may work on architecture, logic, circuit, and physical design, testing and verification.

For this, knowledge of Verilog is necessary. ASIC engineers work on the smaller components of the integrated chip.

Working on cutting edge technology has its own rewards. If your interests lie in this area, it is definitely a rewarding option to pursue.

Doing your job 'System'atically

With the increasing number of wired systems in use today, there is good demand for systems administrators.

Setting up email accounts, installation and upgradation of software, configuration, system security, hardware maintenance, backup and restoration are daily tasks that a systems administrator performs. Managing user accounts, firewalls, website uploads, checking for anti-virus patches also fall under the purview of systems administration.

E-commerce has also contributed to the increase in the demand for systems administrators, who come to work when there is a need to install new servers. They are also expected to be 'on call' at all times to help in case of server crashes. Systems administrators often burn the midnight oil, trying to reduce server downtime. They work at unearthly hours doing maintenance work to avoid disruption of normal computer related activity during the day.Excellent knowledge of operating systems like Windows NT, Unix, Linux, Solaris is necessary. TCP/IP, shell scripting and web architecture knowledge is required.

A Degree/diploma in computer engineering or an MCA is the minimum requirement. Candidates with certifications like Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Certified Novell Administrator (CNA) and Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) are highly sought after.

Networking specialists

Networking specialists provide network architecture solutions to clients. Their job is to integrate, verify and deploy data networks.

Networking security experts take on all tasks concerned with network security like implementing firewalls, combating virus attacks, keeping out hackers, and providing Internet connectivity.

A computer science graduate having special training in network security or a degree in electronic engineering is preferred.

Microsoft also provides courses on networking like MCP, MCSE, Microsoft Certified Internetworking Expert (MCIE). Another sought after certification is Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).

You need to have a thorough knowledge of Windows NT workstation and server, TCP/IP, IIS, Internet security and firewall technology.

Though information technology has been going through a rough patch, there are still areas that require highly skilled talent. Talent that will have the privilege to propel the future!

ARCHANA JAYAKAR

archana.hyd@careercommunity.co.in