CAD Manager's Q&A: Dealing with Networks

As CAD manager I have to deal with lots of network issues but don't have any formal training in them. Should I pursue understanding more networking technology?

Robert Green replies: Good question. And one that really relates to the size of your company. If you work in a large company with an established IT/networking group, I'd advise picking up knowledge as you go and keeping some sort of networking diary so you'll get smarter as time goes by. However, because the IT/networking group will always be on the cutting edge, there's little reason for you to be well versed in the topic.

On the other hand, if you work in a smaller company that doesn't have a formal IT/networking group, learning how to handle networking issues yourself has real merit. In fact, you may even be able to get your company to spring for your networking training since you'll ultimately be saving them the cost of a networking consultant when you start taking care of IT issues.

In both cases, though, the key issue for CAD managers is the speed with which network problems can be resolved so that your CAD users stay productive. So if learning some networking technology will allow you to keep your users on the job, then why not learn all you can? Assuming you're interested in learning and can make the commitment to learn, there's no way that knowing more about networking technology can ever hurt your CAD management career.