This area of IT is possibly one of the most sweeping and comprehensive there is. Because there are so many complex skill-sets to learn, some specialisation is the only practical option. The major systems contributors in this market are Cisco & Microsoft. Microsoft produce Network and Server software, whilst Cisco concentrate primarily on the hard-ware end of networking: Routers, data-switches, controllers and so on. Security has become a big problem recently, which has forced both corporations to get in to the market in a huge way. Another fast-growing area within this field is wireless-connectivity and related products. And next we come on to Hacking (legally) and Forensics : each very complex & extremely specialised subjects themselves, and take a considerable amount of expertise and understanding.

If you're especially interested in Messaging or 'Security', then MS have speciality MCSE's available to address these areas. You may choose to look at Security+ from CompTIA, and then the Certified Information Systems Security Professional ('CISSP'). Prior to choosing this route though you ought to be conscious of the level of professional experience needed for the CISSP. Our consistent advice is of course to have an educated discussion prior to getting into any new career-training.

For many people looking at getting into I.T. as a career, basic networking is the starting place. Absolutely nothing else will make sense until you have a grasp of just how PC's operate and communicate with each other. Providing you already have effective user skills, you'll find packages like 'CompTIA's A+' & Network+ gives you an excellent grounding to begin your career path. Examples of these are dealt with on the CompTIA pages on this website.

Progressing from this level will often take you to the MS 'MCSA'/'MCSE' or the 'Cisco' 'CCNA'/'CCNP', according to whether you're pursuing the hardware or software side of the equation. Nonetheless, a good knowledge of MS's operating-systems is very valuable as they are such a vital aspect of most networking environments. For more details, you'll see the specifics of each accreditation on the actual Cisco & MS pages of this site.

Equally of course you could fine-tune your Wi-Fi ('wireless') skill-sets with certifications like the CWNP and CWNA, or keep going down the 'CompTIA' track with Linux+, Security+ or Server+ .

'CompTIA' (the Computing Technology Industry Association) is a global organisation that now supplies a number of the most highly regarded vendor-neutral certification paths on the market. Companies like ISC2 provide security qualifications, and CWNP supply specialist wireless-networking tracks. Most conspicuously not surprisingly are Cisco & Microsoft themselves, each with their own qualification tracks. The options may well be somewhat over-whelming, & therefore we urge you to tread cautiously and go through your options with an advisor who knows the procedure well. You could save yourself a lot of time and money, not to mention frustration and discouragement.

Qualifications in this market aren't restricted just Cisco and Microsoft themselves. Several well-respected independents are today presenting increasingly more appropriate and essential qualifications. It is now well recognised that knowledge of inter connectivity and technological convergence has become very important in networking. There are presently a number of significant shifts coming about in the world of networking : thoughts generally are leaning towards greener IT, & both processing-power and data storage are going towards Cloud computing. From a business viewpoint, greener technology has to be built to be much more cost-effective, in addition to being kinder towards the planet. Lower power processors & computer systems produce much less heat, which means much less cooling is necessary. Fuel expenses can often be significantly reduced for businesses like data centres that are large technology users.

You might have noticed that 'Digital' or 'Computer' Forensics is a newer term that has been popularized by TV shows like "CSI". The physical reality of 'Digital Forensics' is much more routine than pictured in these types of shows (clearly!) And yet, forensic-investigation using advanced technology can offer a very gratifying profession. The work entails seeking & interpreting 'digital-footprints' that can be used for data-recovery or legal cases.

Along with Security & Computer Forensics the relatively new role of Ethical-Hacking is emerging. Seasoned IT professionals can learn the concepts of 'criminal' hacking for legitimate ethical security purposes. The EC-Council provides mid-high level qualifications, namely the 'CEH' ('Certified Ethical Hacker') & the CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator).

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