I think it stems from the old SAS 8 environment that really managed itself.

But SAS 9.1 and 9.2 is a multi tier environment with lots of moving parts and so you really need a dedicated (even if it is only part time) administrator to make sure it is humming.

Thotwave have a great paper titled SAS® Administration, More relevant than ever that provides a good explanation of what this role needs to achieve.

And of course any administrator should also attend the SAS PA Fast course as well.

It also looks like in SAS 9.2 there are lots of great changes to make administrating the SAS environment easier.

Even if you decide to have one of your analytic or business users manage your environment, still send them on the training. It will save them a lot of time and you a lot of money.