An application manager is in charge of investigating and obtaining software applications that meet a business’s needs. These professionals then oversee the development and implementation of these applications and upgrade and repair the software as needed. What does an application manager do?
What is Application Management?
Application management, also known as AM, is a set of processes and methodologies that govern the operation, maintenance, version control, and updates across a software application’s lifecycle. The goal here is to ensure that the application performance is at its peak with great efficiency.
Stakeholders that are the most important in application management include:
- Application owners – These can be business managers or staff members who view application management as a way of increasing business productivity and revenue
- Application developers and managers – These are professionals who are responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of the application.
- Application users – These are people who are using the application for their requirements – typically employees in an organisation
Importance of Application Management
Application management is crucial when it comes to business innovation. By providing applications that are relevant to every business function in an organisation, business processes can be quickly delivered efficiently and effectively and at a lower cost.
What’s more, proper application management can prove effective in reducing downtime and improving overall business continuity.
Find the right Application Manager for your business here
Responsibilities of an Application Manager
An application manager is responsible for analysing business operations and its computer systems to determine which software applications could improve efficiency. They research and then procure these applications as well as install, configure, monitor and maintain them where necessary.
Application managers provide recommendations on whether to upgrade existing systems or install new ones and establish protocols for software applications and ensure their ease of use for others.
They also lead teams for the implementation and upgrading of network hardware and software and train employees on the use of any new applications.
Lastly, application managers troubleshoot and resolve any problems with business application software and maintain up-to-date knowledge of the latest software developments.
What are the responsibilities of an application manager?
- Analyse business operations and its computer systems
- Determine which software applications could improve efficiency
- Research and procure applications
- Install, configure, monitor and maintain applications
- Provide recommendations on whether to upgrade existing systems or install new ones
- Monitor roll-out of any new software applications
- Establish protocols for software applications
- Ensure application ease of use for stakeholders
- Troubleshoot and resolve any problems with business application software
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of latest software developments
- Report on progress of operational issues to senior management, end users and stakeholders
Find the right project for yourself as an Application Manager
Skills of an Application Manager
An application manager has extensive working knowledge of computer networking, installation, and administration. They also have experience with programming languages and server softwares.
These professionals are familiar with database management and project management and have an understanding of software development life cycles, systems programming, and scripting.
They have knowledge of system design and workflow analysis and have experience with technical support and technical writing.
They also have strong leadership, management, and technical skills and the ability and drive to strive for constant improvement.
What are the skills of an application manager?
- Extensive working knowledge of computer networking, installation, and administration
- Experience with programming languages and server softwares
- Familiarity with database management and project management
- Understanding of software development life cycles, systems programming, and scripting
- Knowledge of system design and workflow analysis
- Experience with technical support and technical writing
- Ability to train employees and colleagues
- Strong leadership skills
- Excellent management skills
- Strong technical skills
- The drive to strive for constant improvement
- Ability to handle stressful situations
Application Manager: Background and Education
Application managers typically have at least a Bachelor’s degree. This could be in programming, computer engineering, computer science, information systems or a related field.
Application managers often require technical skills that they develop through training and certification. Online courses are a great tool that can not only develop your skills but can also broaden your knowledge and help you secure better paying jobs. Check out options for these courses down below:
- Applications Manager Training
- Monitoring and Alerting with Prometheus
- Cisco AppDynamics Application Performance Management (APM)
- Certified ScrumMaster
- Amazon CloudWatch in 60 Minutes: Monitor your AWS resources
Salary of an Application Manager
An application manager typically earns $124,000 per year on average. Junior managers can earn around $80,000 whereas senior managers with a lot more experience can earn around $197,000 per year.
In Germany, the salary range for application managers is €51,000 – €107,000 whereas in the UK, the range for these professionals is £37,000 – £82,000 per year. In Spain, managers earn around €50,000-€90,000 per year.
Note that these numbers can vary and depend on factors such as location, skills, industry and position.
How much do application managers earn?
| US | $80,000 – $197,000 |
| Germany | €51,000 – €107,000 |
| UK | £37,000 – £82,000 |
| Spain | €50,000-€90,000 |
How much do freelance application managers earn?
Application Manager on freelancermap charge on average:
Rates in this field range between $40 and $96/hour for most freelancers.
The daily rate for Application Managers (8 working hours) would be around:
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