This area of IT is perhaps just about the most sweeping and comprehensive there is. Generally, some level of specialisation is required, since to cover every element could take decades of learning. Both Microsoft & Cisco create systems for this sector. The Network and Server software is made by Microsoft, while Cisco are mainly responsible for routers and switches, in other words the Network hard-ware. 'Security' has become a big issue recently, which has forced each of the organisations to get in to the area in a massive way. Also in this field we are experiencing the significant development of wireless-networking. And lastly, two very important & developing sectors in the security marketplace are Computer Forensics and Ethical Computer Hacking.

If you're especially focused on Messaging or 'Security', then MS have specialist MCSE's on offer to handle these options. You may choose to look at Security+ with 'CompTIA', and then the Certified Information Systems Security Professional ('CISSP'). CISSP applicants have to have substantial professional work experience, therefore be sure you research this well. Our long-standing advice is of course to take part in an informed discussion prior to embarking on any kind of new career-training.

Some of the most useful industry-recognised certifications today come from the vendor neutral 'Computing Technology Industry Association' (CompTIA). Various other associations also supply worthwhile certifications, for example CWNP (Certified Wireless Network Professional) and 'ISC2' ('International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium'). Most conspicuously of course are Cisco and Microsoft themselves, both with their very own certification tracks. Mainly because of the scope & level of accreditation paths on offer in this field, it is sensible to discuss this sort of career change with a professional advisor. Without having personally-tailored guidance you could potentially head off in a wrong direction & squander considerable money and/or time.

One of the newest sectors in this field is called 'Digital Forensics'. We might connect 'forensics' with TV programmes such as CSI (Crime Scene Investigation). There might however be a bit less glamour regarding the actual workload than that executed by the characters on-screen! Nevertheless for many, it offers a highly interesting and rewarding career within technology-based exploration. The role involves gathering and interpreting digital-footprints to assist with data recovery or legal investigations.

Alongside Security and Digital Forensics the to some extent new field of 'Ethical Hacking' is developing. Experienced I.T. professionals can study the principles of 'criminal' hacking for legitimate ethical security reasons. The EC-Council delivers mid to high level accreditations, entitled the CEH ('Certified Ethical Hacker') & the 'CHFI' (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator).

We now have broader alternatives beyond Microsoft & Cisco when it comes to becoming accredited within each of these sectors. Many well regarded independents are now offering increasingly more pertinent and significant accreditations. It's now extensively recognised that knowledge of inter connectivity & technological-convergence has become very important in networks. There are now some important shifts taking place in networking - both in terms of processing & in data storage, with internet-based computing gaining presence & 'green IT' becoming more and more relevant. From the financial point of view, greener technology has to be designed to be much more cost-effective, in addition to being more gentle to the environment. Computer systems produce much less heat (and so need much less cooling) if they have lower power processors. Fuel expenses can be dramatically reduced for organisations such as data centres that are higher technology-users.

For many people checking out getting into I.T. as a profession, basic networking could be the starting point. Practically nothing else will make sense until you have a grasp of just how computers operate & communicate with one another. If you already have good user skills, you will find training programs such as 'CompTIA's A+' & 'Network+' will provide you with a superb grounding to begin your career. We include details about these training programs on the web pages focused on 'CompTIA'.

What comes next depends mainly upon whether you wish to specialise in hardware or software. For 'hardware', you're talking about 'Cisco' (CCNA/CCNP), & for software you need MS (MCSA or MCSE). Having said that, an in-depth understanding of MS's operating-systems is very important as they are such a vital element of most networking-environments. You will get further accreditation information on this web site from the dedicated Microsoft & 'Cisco' sections.

Of course you might want to enhance your Wi-Fi ('wireless') skills by taking qualifications such as the CWNP and CWNA, or keep going along the 'CompTIA' route with Security+ , Linux+ or Server+ .

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