What Exactly is a Business Analyst? | CIO Insight

What Exactly is a Business Analyst?

Apr 16, 2008
1 minute read

Business analysts might be the least-known people in the IT workplace: Most agree that their role is important, but few know what they actually do–or should be expected to do.

Referring to research on the subject, "Executives didn’t know whether they were performing up to par or whether they should be expected to be order-takers or change agents, though they knew that the best ones were," said Carey Schwaber, senior analyst with Forrester Research.  

Forrester defines the business analyst’s role as a key liaison between the business and the technology that supports it. According to IT recruiting firm Robert Half Technology, a business analyst needs to have a solid understanding of business functional areas and management issues, as well as advanced computer skills and excellent communication skills. 

Read the full story: The Shifting Role of the Business Analyst
 

 

CIO Insight Logo

CIO Insight offers thought leadership and best practices in the IT security and management industry while providing expert recommendations on software solutions for IT leaders. It is the trusted resource for security professionals who need to maintain regulatory compliance for their teams and organizations. CIO Insight is an ideal website for IT decision makers, systems integrators and administrators, and IT managers to stay informed about emerging technologies, software developments and trends in the IT security and management industry.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.