This area of I.T. is perhaps just about the most sweeping and comprehensive there is. It would take decades to train to become a specialist in all factors, and so specialisation is vital to some level. Both Cisco & Microsoft create systems to operate in market. The actual software program side of networking is MS's focus, & the hard-ware side (routers, controllers and data switches etc.) is where Cisco primarily function. Security has become a huge challenge recently, which has led both corporations to move in to the area in a huge way. Another fast-growing market in this field is wireless connectivity and devices. And lastly, two very important & developing fields in the security marketplace are Digital-Forensics and Ethical Computer Hacking.

A rudimentary idea of networks is a great first base for anybody coming into the industry. Before you are aware of exactly how a PC functions and communicates with other Computers, anything more is simply nonsense. As long as you already have decent user skills, you'll find training programs like 'CompTIA's A+' and N+ will give you a very good grounding to start out on your career path. Information on these qualifications are featured on the 'CompTIA' area of this site.

Progressing from this level is often the domain of the Microsoft 'MCSA'/'MCSE' or the Cisco CCNA/CCNP, subject to whether you are pursuing the 'hardware' or 'software' end of things. However, it has to be noted that a comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft network systems is pretty much essential for most network-environments, simply because of Microsoft's penetration in this market. You can get additional certification information on this website in the specific MS and Cisco sections.

Equally of course you could fine tune your 'Wi-Fi' ('wireless') skill-sets with qualifications such as the CWNP and CWNA, or carry on along the 'CompTIA' path with Linux+, Security+ or Server+ .

Computer (or Digital) Forensics is relatively new on the scene - TV shows like Crime Scene Investigation might have brought it to our attention. The physical reality of 'Computer Forensics' is much less glamorised than described in these types of shows (of course!) All the same, forensic-investigation employing advanced technologies can provide a hugely gratifying profession. A Computer Forensics expert will search for & explain digital-artefacts which can often be utilised to solve crimes.

Together with Security and Computer Forensics the to some extent new field of Ethical Hacking is developing. The 'Certified Ethical Hacker' ('CEH') and the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator('CHFI') are medium - high level accreditations supplied through the EC Council.

Microsoft provide various specialist areas at MCSE level, such as in Messaging or Security for trainees with a special interest. Possibly, the 'CompTIA' Security+ , advancing onto the 'CISSP' ('Certified Information Systems Security Professional') might be appropriate. Before choosing this particular track though you ought to be aware of the exact level of experience necessary for the 'CISSP'. As always, we recommend talking with a professional IT training advisor to avoid any mishaps.

CompTIA (the 'Computing Technology Industry Association') is a global business that right now provides many of the most highly regarded vendor neutral accreditation tracks on the market. Organisations such as 'ISC2' supply Security qualifications, & CWNP offer specialist wireless networking paths. As you would expect Cisco and Microsoft provide a complete range of professional accreditations. Because there are so many training and employment possibilities in this field, it's prudent to take more in-depth guidance from an industry advisor before choosing your specific path. You could possibly save a whole lot of time and expense, to say nothing of aggravation & discouragement.

Qualifications in this marketplace are not confined Microsoft & Cisco themselves. Many well regarded independents are today supplying increasingly more appropriate & important accreditations. The need for grasping converging technologies & inter-connectivity in networks is now solidly appreciated. There are currently a number of major changes going on in the world of networking - thoughts in general are leaning towards 'greener' IT, and both processing-power & data-storage are shifting towards Cloud computing. From a commercial standpoint, greener engineering has to be built to be much more cost effective, in addition to being more gentle towards the planet. The processing-power within modern computers is lower, which means less heat to be cooled down. These two things together vastly lower the fuel bill, and so impact upon a company's bottom-line -- particularly in data centres & high volume processing departments.

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