251 Software and Applications Developers and Analysts

Systems analysts conduct research, analyse and evaluate client information technology requirements, procedures or problems, and develop and implement proposals, recommendations, and plans to improve current or future information systems. Tasks include - (a) consulting with users to formulate document requirements and with management to ensure agreement on systems principles; (b) identifying and analysing business processes, procedures and work practices; (c) identifying and evaluating inefficiencies and recommending optimal business practices and system functionality and behaviour; (d) taking responsibility for deploying functional solutions, such as creating, adopting and implementing system test plans; (e) developing functional specifications for use by systems developers; (f) expanding or modifying systems to improve workflow or serve new purposes; (g) coordinating and linking the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Business analyst (IT) - Computer scientist - Information systems analyst - Systems consultant - Systems designer (IT) Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Systems administrator (computers) - 2522 - Communications analyst (computers) - 2523 - Network analyst - 2523.

Software developers research, analyse and evaluate requirements for existing or new software applications and operating systems, and design, develop, test and maintain software solutions to meet these requirements. Tasks include - (a) researching, analysing and evaluating requirements for software applications and operating systems; (b) researching, designing and developing computer software systems; (c) consulting with engineering staff to evaluate interfaces between hardware and software; (d) developing and directing software testing and validation procedures; (e) modifying existing software to correct errors, to adapt it to new hardware or to upgrade interfaces and improve performance; (f) directing software programming and development of documentation; (g) assessing, developing, upgrading and documenting maintenance procedures for operating systems, communications environments and applications software; (h) consulting with customers concerning maintenance of software systems. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Programmer analyst - Software designer - Software developer - Software engineer Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Applications programmers - 2514.

Web and multimedia development professionals combine design and technical knowledge to research, analyse, evaluate, design, program and modify websites and applications that draw together text, graphics, animations, imaging, audio and video displays and other interactive media. Tasks include - (a) analysing, designing and developing Internet sites by applying a mixture of artistry and creativity with software programming and scripting languages and interfacing with operating environments; (b) designing and developing digital animations, imaging, presentations, games, audio and video clips and Internet applications using multimedia software, tools and utilities, interactive graphics and programming languages; (c) communicating with network specialists regarding web-related issues such as security and hosting websites, to control and enforce Internet and web server security, space allocation, user access, business continuity, website backup and disaster recovery planning; (d) designing, developing and integrating computer code with other specialized inputs such as image files, audio files and scripting languages, to produce, maintain and support websites; (e) assisting in analysing, specifying and developing Internet strategies, web-based methodologies and development plans. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Animation programmer - Computer games programmer - Internet developer - Multimedia programmer - Website architect - Website developer Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Website designer - 2166 - Webmaster - 3514 - Website administrator - 3514 - Website technician - 3514.

Applications programmers write and maintain programmable code outlined in technical instructions and specifications for software applications and operating systems. Tasks include - (a) writing and maintaining program code outlined in instructions and specifications in accordance with quality accredited standards; (b) revising, repairing or expanding existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements; (c) conducting trial runs of programs and software applications to confirm that they will produce the desired information; (d) compiling and writing documentation of program development; (e) identifying and communicating technical problems, processes and solutions. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Applications programmer Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Programmer analyst - 2512 - Software developer - 2512 - Multimedia programmer - 2513.

This unit group covers software and applications developers and analysts not classified elsewhere in Minor Group 251: Software and Applications Developers and Analysts. For instance, the group includes those professionals specializing in quality assurance, including software testing. In such cases tasks would include - (a) developing and documenting software testing plans; (b) installing software and hardware and configuring operating system software in preparation for testing; (c) verifying that programs function according to user requirements and established guidelines; (d) executing, analysing and documenting results of software application tests and information and telecommunication systems tests; (e) developing and implementing software and information system testing policies, procedures and scripts. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Quality assurance analyst (computers) - Software tester - Systems tester.