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In my experience, I've been a part of either the QA department or
Implementation department, but working on a development project team. Our
IT department supports and troubleshoots our networks, PCs and software,
they don't do any development. Perhaps this is a difference between working
for a software development company rather than an IT department for a
company whose business is in a specific vertical industry. Many software
development companies matrix their development efforts in this or similar
ways.
If you are writing more to support troubleshooting, procedures or
installation of software
already in production, then you'd want to be in a support department. If
you are writing to support products under development or soon to be
released, then you'd want to be on the development side. I'd tend to agree
with the other posters, you'd get more opportunity, and a great deal more
information working in the development area, but make sure you keep your
finger on the pulse of Support--they'll be the ones determining new or
improved products that should be coming out of Development.
"Try not to have a good time...this is supposed to be educational. " -
Charles Schulz
-----Original Message-----
From: tvirostko -at- familydollar -dot- com [mailto:tvirostko -at- familydollar -dot- com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 09, 2000 1:33 PM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: IT Department Coverage Question
Hello All:
I work in an IT department for a major retail chain. For about a year I was
the lone tech writer for the whole department. My assignments could vary
from process/procedure documentation to reference manuals. Recent changes in
the department have tried to organize coverage areas, but I'm not sure where
I should fit and so far, the managers haven't moved me.
So, my question is: If you work in an IT department for a company, how is
your area organized? Do you go with the development team? Do you cover the
production team supporting developed programs? Are you in an special area
covering all of it.
The decision about my placement will eventually, but I can have some say in
the matter. So, any comments or suggestions you have are appreciated!
