Of all the IT sectors ruling the world stage, this particular field is one of the biggest and most all encompassing. With so many complicated skill sets to embrace, some specialist training is the only realistic answer. The major systems players in this marketplace are Microsoft & Cisco. The software program side of Networks is Microsoft's focus, and the hard-ware side (routers, controllers & switches and so on.) is where Cisco mainly works. It's become financially and economically necessary for MS and Cisco to move into security over the last several years. We should also notice the the more professional use of WiFi these days, which is essentially wireless-connections and hard-ware. And next we have the dark art of Hacking (legitimately) & Forensics : both very complex & very specialist subjects in their own right, and take a great deal of working experience and knowledge.

If you're mainly focused on Messaging or 'Security', then Microsoft have speciality MCSE's available to address these areas. In some cases, the 'CompTIA' Security+ , moving on to the 'CISSP' ('Certified Information Systems Security Professional') might be suitable. CISSP candidates must have substantial professional work experience, therefore make sure you research this thoroughly. Our long-standing recommendation is of course to take advantage of an informed discussion prior to getting into any kind of new career-training.

Accreditations in this market aren't restricted Microsoft & Cisco alone. Certainly, a number of well respected bodies are essential players now where certification is involved. It is now widely recognised that understanding inter connectivity & technological convergence has become incredibly fundamental in networks. Networking is in fact undergoing some key paradigm shifts right now; perceptions generally are inclined towards greener I.T., and both processing-power and data storage are heading towards 'cloud' computing. From a business point of view, greener technology must be designed to be a lot more cost-effective, as well as being kinder to the environment. Lower-power processors & computer systems produce less heat, therefore much less cooling is needed. Fuel expenses can often be considerably reduced for companies like data-centres which are higher technology users.

You might have noticed that 'Digital' or 'Computer' Forensics is a frequently used term that's been made popular via Television shows like "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation". There may though be a tad less glamour to the real work when compared with that done by the celebrities on-screen! All the same, forensic-investigation using sophisticated technologies can provide a very gratifying job. The process being to collect & analyse digital footprints, to provide evidence either in a criminal investigation or civil legal case.

Located in a related field to Computer Forensics & IT Security comes 'Ethical Hacking' - which is another reasonably new discipline to regulate crime. Experienced IT professionals can study the concepts of 'criminal' hacking for legitimate ethical security purposes. The EC Council delivers medium to advanced level qualifications, entitled the 'CEH' (Certified Ethical Hacker) & the 'CHFI' (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator).

If you're looking to develop a career in IT, begin by developing some networking expertise. Practically nothing else will make any sense until you've developed a grasp of how PCs operate & communicate with one another. As long as you have decent user skills, you will find training programs such as 'CompTIA's A+' and N+ offers you an ideal grounding to set up your career. These are included under the CompTIA section on this web site.

Moving on from here is often the domain of the Microsoft MCSA or MCSE or Cisco 'CCNA'/'CCNP', subject to whether you are interested in the 'hardware' or 'software' side of the equation. Nonetheless, an in depth knowledge of Microsoft's operating-systems is very beneficial as they're such a vital aspect of the majority of networking-environments. Again, these qualifications are covered in-depth on their respective sections on this site.

Of course you could fine-tune your 'Wi-Fi' (wireless) skill-sets with certifications like the CWNA and CWNP, or carry on down the CompTIA path with Security+, Server+ or Linux+ .

The vendor neutral international organisation CompTIA now offers possibly the most recognised & highly-regarded independent IT certifications. Establishments like 'ISC2' supply Security accreditations, & CWNP provide professional wireless networking paths. Of course, there is a comprehensive slew of accreditation programs from Microsoft and Cisco. With the amount of training & career possibilities in this area, it's prudent to take more personalised guidance from an experienced professional before choosing your particular track. Without having individually tailored advice you could head-off in a wrong direction & squander considerable money and/or time.

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