These executives and professionals are in a position to recommend and decide on matters involving the overall design of a company's information systems architecture, its maintenance and enhancements; the acquisition of softwares, hardwares, and peripheral equipment; and the hiring and training of staff with IT responsibilities. They may be in any of the following positions: Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Information Services Director, Application Development Director/Manager, Network Manager/Administrator, Database Manager/Administrator, Technical Support Manager/Officer, Systems Manager/Analyst, Developer, Programmer, etc. In small companies, the Chief Executive and other senior officers are the key IT decision-makers. Source: IT-related associations worldwide.