What is a Webmaster

The word webmaster is a term commonly used to refer to the person responsible for a specific website. In a small website, the webmaster will typically be the owner, designer, developer and programmer, besides acting as the clerks in the writing, editing and publication of content.

In larger sites, the functions of the Webmaster will be higher, acting as coordinator and supervisor of the activities of all members working with them. Sometimes it is also an employee of the owner of the website, so that, by virtue of the above, we consider the webmaster as a person who can exercise only an occupation within the project.

Often used is the email address of the webmaster as a way to contact the site, webmaster@ejamplo.com is commonly used in the final part of each webpage.

Studies and main skills

The work of a multidisciplinary webmaster is due to the large amount of work it performs and the complexity of the skills needed to execute, so it is very important to have ongoing training. However there are some basic points that a webmaster should know to do their job better.

It is common for a webmaster to be someone with technical training, technological profile, such as engineers or graduates in computing, computer science, cybernetics, telecommunications, mechatronics or mechanical, yet is not a requirement.

A webmaster must have skills in problem analysis, capacity for abstract reasoning, visioning and problem-solving. There is no need for a great mathematical ability but it is very useful to have some ability to process analysis.

For a webmaster it is important to develop their writing skills and even graphic design, time management, proficiency in English (the language of work in the Web de facto) and personal relations: usually a Webmaster needs to relate to many people. There are certain skills that are critical to a webmaster, including:

Knowledge of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). They must make the use and application of the standards proposed by the W3C such as: XHTML and CSS. Knowledge of Internet protocols (FTP, POP, SMTP, HTTP, at least).

Principles of programming in some language for CGI (Perl, Python, PHP, ASP, or Ruby, for example). Manipulation of digital images. Using Electronic Mail. Basic configuration of the Web server (Apache, Tomcat, IIS, etc.)

Depending on the role they play, they will specialize in a particular area or expertise must be acquired in some of the following tasks: Administration and configuration of servers (Linux, Solaris, Windows Server, etc).

Security management (firewalls). Knowledge of the functioning of the whole suite of protocols to TCP/IP. Application Programming (Perl, PHP, Java, Python, ASP, NET, etc). Administration and design of databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, etc).

Graphic design and animation (with the tools of their choice). Coordination of development projects. Development of marketing strategies. Drafting policies and procedures for your area. Writing skills content for websites.

Code of Ethics

A webmaster should: Respect external websites and try to never crack or otherwise damage the site webmaster. Show respect for the profession as an industry with honesty and courtesy, to deserve a reputation for high quality service and fair treatment. Increasing the knowledge base of the profession through constant study and to share this knowledge with colleagues.

Build an ongoing relationship of trust and goodwill with service users and their employers with balance, restraint and constructive cooperation.

Leading work behavior in the most ethical and competent way as possible when requesting a professional service or seeking employment, in honor of their knowledge and integrity. Accept a share of responsibility in a constructive service to the community, state or nation and the global community.

Protecting intellectual property of others on self-reliance and innovation capabilities, ensuring that the benefits are granted to the author. Strive to achieve and express a sincere character that will enrich their human contacts, always aiming toward that ideal. Always work with your development team and coordinate the views of the company.