Of all the I.T. sectors dominating the world stage, this field is one of the biggest and most encompassing. It could take many years to train to become an expert in all elements, and so specialisation is essential to some extent. The main systems 'players' in this marketplace are Cisco & Microsoft. Microsoft produce Network & Server Software, whilst Cisco concentrate mainly on the hard-ware end of networking: Routers, switches, controllers etc. Security has become a huge problem recently, which has led each of the businesses to move in to the market in a big way. We also needs to take note of the more professional use of Wi-Fi today, which is essentially wireless-connections and hard-ware. Lastly, 2 crucial and growing sectors in the security market are Digital Forensics & Ethical-Hacking.

You will find various speciality MCSE's from Microsoft, that look after areas such as Messaging or Security if that is the path you're looking for. You may choose to look at Security+ with CompTIA, and then the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). 'CISSP' prospects need to have substantial professional experience, therefore be sure you research this well. Our advice is of course to have an informed discussion prior to beginning any kind of new career training.

One of the more recent areas in this field is called Computer Forensics. We link 'forensics' with TV shows such as CSI Miami. The actual reality of 'Digital Forensics' is much less glamorised than the portrayal in these types of shows (clearly!) And yet, forensic investigation utilising complex technology can offer a really gratifying profession. A Computer Forensics specialist will trace and explain digital-artefacts that are frequently utilised to resolve crimes.

Seated between Computer Forensics & Security, comes the new field of Ethical-Hacking. These are accreditations provided by the EC Council which teach advanced students the darker principles of hacking - but with the purpose of using these skills to protect & increase the security of a system, rather than damage it.

Industry recognised certifications can be obtained from the suppliers as well as vendor neutral organisations. A number of well respected neutral organisations are today providing increasingly more pertinent and important qualifications. It is now well accepted that understanding inter-connectivity & technological convergence is becoming extremely fundamental in networking. There are presently some seismic changes occurring in the world of networking : perceptions in general are leaning toward greener IT, & both processing-power and data-storage are going towards 'cloud' computing. The introduction of green I.T. covers two important elements - minimising the impact to the environment is 1, but perhaps of equal relevance to business is expense. The processing power in modern computers is lower, which means less heat to cool down. Electricity bills can often be substantially reduced for companies such as data-centres which are high technology-users.

For most people checking out getting into I.T. as a career, basic-networking is the starting place. You need to understand the way computers operate & communicate with each other before you can consider anything else. Assuming at least a basic level of IT literacy, (read the more general Computer Training pages if not,) the recommended starting-point is almost always the 'CompTIA' A+ & CompTIA Network+ . Examples of these are dealt with within the CompTIA pages of this site.

Progressing from here you can look at the Microsoft MCSA/MCSE or perhaps the Cisco CCNA/CCNP, subject to whether you are pursuing the 'hardware' or 'software' side of the equation. Even so, it should be noted that a thorough understanding of Microsoft network systems is practically a necessity for the majority of network-environments, simply because of MS's dominance in this market. You will get additional accreditation information on this web-site in the specific Microsoft & 'Cisco' sections.

Alternatively, you may choose to continue down the 'ventor-neutral' track with further 'CompTIA' certification (e.g. Linux+ , Server+ & Security+ ) or maybe have a go at the wire-less ('Wi-Fi') side of things by taking the 'CWNP'/'CWNA'.

Some of the best industry-acknowledged certifications today come from the vendor-neutral 'Computing Technology Industry Association' ('CompTIA'). Companies such as ISC2 provide Security certifications, and CWNP offer professional wireless-networking paths. Naturally Microsoft & Cisco provide a full range of professional level accreditations. The options may well be somewhat overwhelming, and therefore we encourage you to go carefully & talk through all your alternatives with an expert who understands the process very well. This will likely prevent you from making an expensive mistake, both in terms of money and time-spent.

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