IT Systems Management

The best-practice guide to managing IT infrastructures–now fully updated!

IT Systems Management is an up-to-the-minute guide to maintaining stable, responsive IT production environments. Top IT systems management expert Rich Schiesser illuminates
both the theoretical and practical aspects of systems management, using methods and examples drawn from decades of experience leading and consulting with the world’s most complex enterprise IT organizations.

This thoroughly updated edition covers every systems management discipline  and all elements of success: people, process, and technology. Schiesser shows how to apply best-practice system management throughout all IT infrastructure environments, from mainframe data centers to web-enabled systems, client/server and mid-range platforms to wireless and VoIP networks. 

Schiesser systematically addresses today’s most crucial issues, as well as emerging trends that will transform IT systems management. You’ll find an entirely new chapter on using IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) effectively, plus new coverage ranging from managing outsourced functions to efficiently delivering “ultra-speed” Internet connections. This edition includes more real-life examples throughout, and new interactive problems designed to give IT professionals even deeper insight. Coverage includes:

•  Implementing bullet-proof processes in areas ranging from change management to production acceptance, capacity planning to storage

•  Optimizing the “people” components of IT service delivery, from customer service to executive support

•  Using technology to manage systems more efficiently and effectively

•  Systematically managing performance, availability, and business continuity

•  Reducing the cost and complexity of IT facilities management

•  Taking a more strategic approach to security

Rich Schiesser founded and owns RWS Enterprises, Inc., a consultancy that specializes in designing and implementing world-class IT infrastructures. His client list has included The Weather Channel, Amazon.com, and DIRECTV. He has led major IT infrastructure organizations at Hughes Aircraft, the City of Los Angeles, and Twentieth Century Fox. For nearly ten years, he managed the primary data center at Northrop Grumman, one of the world’s most advanced computer facilities. A former University of Phoenix faculty member, he has taught IT management at UCLA and California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA).

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In his service of numerous clients nationwide, infrastructure expert Rich Schiesser combines the experiences of a senior IT executive, professional educator, acclaimed author, and highly regarded consultant.

During the past three decades, Rich has headed up major computer centers at firms as diverse as Hughes Aircraft Company, the City of Los Angeles, and Twentieth Century Fox. For nearly 10 years he managed the primary computer center at Northrop Grumman Corporation, considered at the time to be one of the largest and most advanced in the world.

For the past several years, Rich has consulted on designing and implementing world-class infrastructures through his company, RWS Enterprises, Inc. Among his numerous clients are The Weather Channel, Emory Air Freight, Amazon.com, DIRECTV, Las Vegas Police, Option One Mortgage, Lionsgate Entertainment, and St. Joseph Health Systems.

Rich has also consulted at a variety of colleges, including Corinthian Colleges, Victor Valley College, Pasadena City College, University of Montana, and Kern County College District. He has taught a variety of IT classes at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), and Phoenix University.

In addition to writing the first edition of IT Systems Management, Rich coauthored the best-selling book IT Production Services. He has also written more than 200 articles on IT management for leading trade journals and websites, including InformIT.com.

Rich holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University, a Master of Science degree from the University of Southern California (USC), and has completed graduate work in business administration from UCLA. He and his wife, Ann, live in Southern California, where they contribute time to their two favorite charities, the Olive Crest home for abandoned and abused children and the Legacy One organization for organ transplants.