Cross Skilling Across Multi-OS Platforms?

drtheman asks: "I have been working in the IT industry for the last 10 years, 7 of those as a UNIX system administrator. I have been noticing over the last year or two that companies are becoming very pedantic about specific skills that a UNIX sysadmin should have. Most troubling for myself is the so called multi-skilled UNIX/NT administrator. It's a given that any seasoned UNIX admin should have *some* Windows knowledge, and cross skilling is something that shouldn't be balked at. However, after coming from large enterprise environments, where the UNIX boys do the UNIX stuff and the NT guys do the Windows stuff, I just find it a little troubling that if I don't adapt with certifications in these platforms I may become unemployable. Do other enterprise admins think that this is too much for us to take on, and companies are just expecting more bang for their buck these days? I can understand that these multi-skilled people are needed in the smaller shops, but I would like to know how it would work effectively in larger ones."

Comments

Put it in terms you can understand

[Hadlock]

What they're trying to tell you is, if you're a 12th level Unix Mage, it wouldn't hurt to pick up a 2nd level XP Paladin. If your party's level 15 XP Paladin dies, the party still needs the Paladin's basic skills, like light network healing and saving patch all infected computers roll abilities. You can keep working on getting your level 18 Unix Mage, with the Write kernel from scratch Feat, but you're gonna have to make some sacrifices for the party to keep it moving forward.

Re:Put it in terms you can understand

[freeradica1]

The whole point is that you create a Multi-class character once you get to the 12th level as a Unix Mage. That way, if the level 15 XP Paladin dies, your lvl 12/2 Unix Mage/XP Paladin can do all the healing and patching you need.

Re:Ask Slashdot: I found out my dog is gay

[Anonymous Coward]

"I found out my dog is gay..."

maybe your dog's just confused by you buggering it everyday?

Re:Opposite

[binner1]

I hear god uses VMS!

-Ben

Re:Cross-skilling is a must

[0kComputer]

We iz looking fo' somebody just like ya! We iz seeking uh Unix Systems Administrator/NT Administrator ta provide 3rd level support an' project assistance. You will gots uh strong SUN Solaris background, an' ideally experience wiff Tru64 an' AIX. Other desirable skills include computers/finance, or computers/law, or computers/management, Storage Area Networks, Veritas, Oracle 9i an' Avocent (KVM). Great opportunity wiff uh global organisation. Ebonics uh BIG PLUS. Please send CV as soon as possible ta secure interview slots next week! and shit.

XP Paladin?

[sharkey]

Lawful Evil?

Re:XP Paladin?

[Anonymous Coward]

Don't forget the Amiga Druid. They're hairy and they live in the woods. I know, I hit about 5th level before I switched classes.

Re:Boys? Guys?

[ErikZ]

Shouldn't we have to be MUCH MORE willing to accept that there are girls in IT?

Statistical anomaly.

From the dept.?

[Anonymous Coward]

What department!? What departmennnnnnnnttt!?