If we take all the I.T. areas dominating the world stage, this particular field is one of the largest and most encompassing. Typically, some level of specialisation is required, because to cover each element would probably take too many years of training. Cisco & Microsoft are the two major vendors dominating this sector. The software side of networks is Microsoft's focus, & the hardware side (routers, controllers & data-switches and so on.) is where Cisco primarily work. Both vendors have moved heavily in to Security over the last several years, through economic need. We also need to notice the the greater professional use of WiFi today, which is basically wireless-connections and hardware. And lastly, 2 very important & growing fields within the security marketplace are Digital-Forensics & Ethical-Hacking.

If you're mainly focused on Messaging or Security, then Microsoft have specialist MCSEs available to target these areas. Possibly, the CompTIA Security+ , moving on to the CISSP ('Certified Information Systems Security Professional') could be appropriate. Before you choose this route though you need to be conscious of the exact level of professional experience necessary for the 'CISSP'. Having a discussion with our it training specialists will explain everything for you.

A basic idea of networks is a great first-base for anybody coming into the industry. Practically nothing else will make sense until you've developed an understanding of how PC's run and communicate with each other. Assuming a basic level of computer literacy, (read the more general I.T. Training pages if not,) the starting-point is nearly always the CompTIA A+ & 'Network+' . We discuss information about these packages on the section dedicated to CompTIA.

Taking things further you'll either follow the MS 'MCSA' or 'MCSE' track if you're focused on 'software', or the 'Cisco' 'CCNA' or 'CCNP' track if you're attracted to 'hardware'. Even so, a good knowledge of MS's operating systems is highly beneficial as they're such an important aspect of the majority of networking environments. You'll find further qualification details on this website from the dedicated Microsoft and 'Cisco' sections.

On the other hand, you may want to carry on down the 'ventor-neutral' track with more CompTIA qualification (for example Security+, Server+ & Linux+ ) or possibly try your hand at the wire-less (Wi-Fi) area of things with the CWNP or CWNA.

Some of the finest industry-recognised certifications today come from the vendor neutral Computing Technology Industry Association ('CompTIA'). There are also several other companies, such as the 'ISC2' (abbreviated from the rather long-winded: 'International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium'!) and CWNP (Certified Wireless Network Professional). Obviously Cisco & Microsoft offer a total array of professional level certifications. The options might be a bit mind-boggling, & so we advise you to go very carefully and talk through all your plans with an advisor who knows the process very well. Without having personally tailored help you might head off in the wrong-direction & squander considerable time and/or money.

You'll find greater alternatives beyond Microsoft & Cisco to become qualified within each of these sectors. In actual fact, some highly respected associations have become essential players now where certification is involved. The significance about grasping converging-technologies and inter connectivity in networks has become solidly accepted. Networking is in actual fact undergoing some key paradigm shifts at the moment; both in terms of processing and in data storage, with internet based computing gaining momentum and 'green IT' getting to be more and more relevant. The introduction of 'green' I.T. addresses two important elements - minimising the effect on the environment is one, but perhaps of equal significance to commerce is cost. The processing power in more technologically advanced computers is lower, which means there's much less heat to be cooled down. Corporations with substantial computer networks can reduce their electricity expenditure significantly with 'greener' & more efficient computers.

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