Network Managers, it would appear, are the last people to be consulted about the location and ambience of their workplace.  Having visited or worked in scores of schools and colleges, it seems to me that when architects and engineers get together to design an ICT infrastructure, the Network Manger is invariably left out of the equation, and probably not yet appointed.

Invariably, the 'server room' is designated as the workplace of the Network Manger with little regard for all the other functions or services to be provided.  Recently, in one multi-million pound new-build, I was shown the Network Manager's room - a bare-faced breeze-block room housing the servers and switch cabinets - dark and windowless.  In another situation in which I worked, my 'Office' was a small stockroom, containing the server, attached to a large classroom - up three flights of stairs. Think of the effort involved in unloading 100 new PCs, carting them up 3 flights of stairs, setting them up, testing them, and then distributing them (back down the stairs) around the College!  Many other similar situations exist where it would appear that any old unwanted store-room has been converted to house the Network Manager's 'Office'. - Again with little or no thought of the actual services that the person is required to deliver.

Obviously the job-description of the Network Manager (and his assistants) depends upon the size of the institution and the degree of provision of any Managed Services.  However, there are a large number of activities which can be grouped together and, in some cases can be performed from a different location:

The 'Server Room': is the essential workplace for the supervision of the main servers, backup storage, switches and routers, fire-wall system including 'black/white listings', and intruder alerts.  These services require the full-time presence of a 'body', either Manger or Assistant.

Software Development:  requires a clean, quiet location where, relatively undisturbed, the Manager can test, install, configure, develop and document new software.  (It also requires room for the storage of hundreds of discs and manuals.) This is a serious 'time out' occupation which can take up most of the working week in some establishments.

Repair Bench:  facilities are inevitably required.   A secure repairs workshop, with enough room to cope with 'new stock', good benches and tools storage is required for setting up, configuring, upgrading or repairing workstations and peripherals.

Help Desk Services:  needs full-time attendance in most larger schools.  Adding new users, password changes,  blocking access to miscreants, restoring deleted files etc needs an 'open-door' and viewable room - where individual children and adults can work in safety.

Website maintenance:   Most successful schools run a quality website and some form of VLE which requires daily updating.  This can often be a full-time post in its own right.  Again this job requires a clean tidy office with room for a scanner, printer and all the various camera plug-ins etc and room for working with both staff and students when discussing the layout of web-pages or location of networked resources etc.

Consultation:  is another essential part of the NetMan's working day.  Every day staff need to talk to the Manager about the use of software and hardware.  He or she must be able to talk in relative privacy - often providing training or helpful advice.

The above list indicates that the Network Manger requires a well thought out suite of rooms rather than the hotch-potch that exists in so many of our institutions built and designed by 'Topsy'.

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