Hard Talk

If software is the metamorphic soul, then hardware is the literal body that holds

it. Although hardware is as important as software, it has often been considered the underdog’s option. There is a fallacy that hardware involves only assembling and repairing personal computers. Many believe this sector has only menial jobs for semi-skilled workers who are usually just class 10 pass. In reality, the scope of hardware is much wider. And there are both blue-collar and white-collar jobs in this sector.

SCOPE So what exactly is hardware? Is it only the physical computer with various

peripherals like the monitor, printer, scanner, modem, mouse, hard disk and speaker? True, this is all hardware but it is limited to the personal computer (PC) and is only a fraction of the real hardware at work globally. There are hardware systems in automobiles, microwave ovens, medical equipment, entertainment and communication devices, manufacturing units, defence artillery, network infrastructure, telecommunication structures, etc. In a nutshell, hardware can include a range of components, from intermediate to finished products, spanning across various sectors like telecom, consumer electronics, industrial electronics and IT hardware. The mammoth penetration of computers and computer-supported systems into homes, businesses, industries, academic institutes and government organisations is due to the work of dedicated hardware professionals. Without the necessary hardware infrastructure in place, perhaps, the term ‘global village’ might never have been coined. In fact, networking and hardware go hand-in-hand. A recent MAIT-Ernst and Young study titled, ‘India:The Hardware Opportunity’, reveals that the Indian hardware industry has the potential to achieve revenues of $62 billion by 2010 which is twelve times the existing size. This study also estimates that the requisite investment will generate employment for about 1.2 million people directly and a similar number indirectly. With the Central Government also focusing on the hardware sector, it is poised to become globally competitive and exportoriented. In fact, hardware exports of $25 billion are projected by 2010 with major export opportunities in the area of innovative new products, contract manufacturing and design services. This calls not only for production of hardware but also committed research and development (R&D), essential operation, designing, dedicated maintenance and service. As India is already a preferred destination for software development, there seems no reason why hardware outsourcing can’t get a foothold as well. It is also expected that MNCs like Intel, Samsung, C-gate and IBM will start manufacturing units in India. Clearly, there will be an increased demand for hardware professionals.

WORK PROFILE Hardware professionals are involved in designing and developing computers, chip and circuit designing of components and systems, conceptualising hardware architecture, peripheral development and integration, testing hardware compatibility with software, setting up hardware to establish communication as well as providing service and maintenance on the call. This hardware pertains to both PC and non-PC components. They need to keep in mind the hardware meets client specifications and sometimes, even user friendliness. Besides, they need to supervise, inspect and provide support during manufacture, installation and implementation of the hardware. Assessing and producing documents, leading and coordinating teams of professionals during development projects are among other duties of hardware professionals at supervisory levels. A hardware professional may also play roles like disaster recovery specialist, PC support specialist, network support specialist or internet engineer. Hardware engineers can also look forward to innovating complex systems and branching out as consultants with rapidly expanding businesses. TRAINING AND ELIGIBILITY It requires good technical knowledge, logical thinking, problem-solving attitude, patience, interest and, above all, the will to put in long hours. Knowledge of electronics, maintenance and repair of digital circuitry and microprocessors is a prerequisite. Having a degree in computer engineering, electronics and telecommunications is a good qualification to enter the hardware sector. Moreover,

specialisation in areas like analog or digital signal processing, integrated circuits, microprocessors and lasers comes in very helpful. A career in hardware is open for students of class 10/ 12/ diploma/ undergraduates and graduates. Says R Krishnan, Global Head, Aptech Computer Education, “It is imperative that you choose the correct training organisation. Besides teaching you networking, the course curriculum should be designed in accordance with the requirements for internationally accepted certifications such as MCSE, MCSD, CNE, CNA and OCP. Also, it is crucial that the organisation has a wide network, which will make placement easier.”

SOME JOB TITLES IN THE HARDWARE BUSINESS ARE: ƒ application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design engineer ƒ computer hardware engineer ƒ telecommunications hardware engineer ƒ fiber-optic network designer ƒ hardware circuit board designer ƒ hardware design engineer ƒ hardware development engineer ƒ network systems engineer ƒ network test engineer ƒ systems designer - hardware ƒ technical architect - hardware ƒ wireless communications network engineer JOB PROSPECTS All organisations that use computers need hardware specialists. A prospective candidate can work with hardware players like IBM, Hewlett Packard (HP) and the like or with hardware wings of companies like Microsoft, Sun, Reliance, etc. One can also be employed at numerous other smaller companies and organisations. Professionals with experience may try their hand at entrepreneurship, perhaps in maintenance and assembling work. In case of a career in hardware, it would be difficult to pinpoint figures. But for knowledgeable and persevering hardware professionals, remuneration could be on par with their software counterparts. INSTITUTES AND COURSES AVAILABLE There are few hardware training institutes in the country. Some of them are Jetking, Aptech, IIHT, MS Computer Academy and ReiNET. (This is an indicative list). Generally, training for hardware is accompanied by training in networking. Certifications like A+ from CompTIA are available for hardware with many more available for networking. Ultimately, a stint at a good training institute should help aspiring candidates to enter the market. General training courses are for about 6-12 months duration, sometimes packed with ‘free’ additional modules. Software and hardware are not opponents. Rather, they are two sides of the golden coin. Thus, there is a need for hardware to be robust and reliable. Demand for numerous products, gadgets and computer devices further propels this need. If you think you’re game, make the move. ---***---