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 export-
oriented. 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.

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