Since the beginning of the 21st century, computers and accompanying software have slowly started taking over our workplaces.
Nowadays, there’s hardly any job that doesn’t require employees to use apps in their day-to-day work. To make sure things run smoothly, somebody has to administer over application and resource use and access.
This is where the Application Support Manager comes in.
What Is Application Management and Why Is It So Important?
Application Management, or AM for short, is an IT process responsible for managing the lifecycle of software applications used within an organization – such as a company.
A software lifecycle follows the period from its first implementation, from maintenance during operation, to the eventual end of use.
Here’s how that looks like in practice:
When a business decides on implementing new software in their operations, the first job of Application Management is deciding whether or not it will be purchased or made in-house.
- If the software is purchased, AM provides the infrastructure that will hold it, then does the installation and testing
- If the software is made in-house, AM works closely with the development team in the creation process
Once the software is in use, Application Management is responsible for its regular maintenance.
This includes processes such as:
- Installing updates
- Troubleshooting issues
- Authorizing users
- Making data reports, etc.
Finally, when a piece of software reaches the end of its lifecycle, the job of Application Management is to safely remove it from use and, in some cases, terminate it.
Like any management structure, the most important role of Application Management is making sure daily operations run smoothly for the end user – whether that be an employee or consumer.
Cyber Security and Application Management
Apart from an administrative function, Application Management serves a key role in cyber-security.
Fixing bugs is essential not only for the user experience.
Leaving cracks in the code can lead to unauthorized access or information leakage.
Updating software is important not only to apply the latest features but also fixing issues with the previous version.
Proper user authentication and device identification will prevent any of these resources from being misused, especially in the case of being compromised.
Removing unused software is as important as removing unused user accounts.
If left untouched too long, it can cause all sorts of technical issues, which can be exploited in security breaches.
The Crucial Role of Application Support Manager
The Application Support Manager is a software professional in charge of Application Management.
Depending on company size and type, the role may include a variety of managerial and technical responsibilities.
In many organizations, they are the most experienced and, apart from the technical role, serve an upper management role as well.
When software is made in-house, the Application Support Manager works closely with development teams, often leading projects.
While rarely working on actual development, they have full control of creating, designing, and testing software, and have the last say before rollout.
As managers, the responsibilities to their employees include, but are not limited to:
- Adding/Removing employees when on/off-boarding
- Overseeing and delegating user access
- Authorizing (or rejecting) devices
- Educating and training IT staff and employee end-users
- Providing resources and support to employees
- Creating and filling necessary reports
As the highest IT experts within an organization, they often handle hardware and software purchasing decisions for the company.
The best Application Support Manager is always on the lookout for new solutions for his company and is open-minded about trying new tech and apps.
AppsCo One Can Help Your Application Support Manager Achieve More
AppsCo One is an HR and IT master-management tool capable of Application Management and much more.
With it, you can manage your employees’ apps quickly and safely from one location
Easily grant or revoke access to software and resources to users and devices
The app can help you onboard/offboard employees in a few clicks
Use the Single Sign-On dashboard to assign applications to users and remove the need for multiple logins
Oversee and approve/disprove access, efficiently reject and remove unauthorized
Improve your security by implementing 2FA, IP whitelisting, and company policies to the app
AppsCo One is completely Cloud-based, meaning you can access its features from any device
All this and more can be achieved using just ONE app.
