If we take all the I.T. fields dominating the modern world stage, this area has to be the largest and most all encompassing. Because there are so many advanced skill sets to learn, a certain amount of specialisation is really the only logical solution. Cisco & Microsoft are the two major organisations dominating this sector. The actual software program side of networking is Microsoft's focus, and the hard-ware side (routers, controllers and data-switches etc.) is where Cisco primarily function. Security has become a big problem in recent years, which has forced both corporations to move in to the market in a huge way. Additionally within this field we're experiencing the significant growth of wireless networking. Although Digital Forensics and 'Ethical Hacking' have fingers in all of these areas, they're also professions in their own right, and need substantial training & experience to become totally effective.

Digital (or Computer) 'Forensics' is reasonably new in this area - TV programmes such as CSI-Crime Scene Investigation could have familiarised us with the term. There might though be a bit more routine with the real workload than that done by the actors on television! And yet, forensic-investigation utilising complex technology can provide a very satisfying occupation. A Digital Forensics specialist will find and explain 'digital artefacts' that are frequently utilised to resolve crimes.

Together with Security and Computer Forensics the to some extent new role of 'Ethical Hacking' is developing. These are accreditations provided through the EC Council that teach more advanced candidates the dark concepts of 'hacking' - but with the purpose of using these abilities to protect & increase the security within a system, instead of harming it.

If you're mainly focused on Messaging or Security, then Microsoft have speciality MCSEs on offer to target these options. It may be that CompTIA Security+ meets your needs, so that you can move onto the CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional. You'll find there are stringent 'experience' specifications for the 'CISSP', & these need discussing and getting to grips with before you go along this route. Having a discussion with one of our industry advisors will shed more light on everything for you.

Qualifications in this marketplace aren't confined to the vendors alone. Certainly, some highly regarded associations are important contributors now where certification is concerned. The importance of understanding converging-technologies & inter-connectivity in networks has become solidly understood. Networking is actually going through some major paradigm shifts right now; especially the move towards 'cloud' or internet-based computing (both in terms of storage of data, and actual processing-power), & the mental attitude change toward 'green' IT. 'Green' IT doesn't necessarily indicate 'saving-the-planet' -- it does of course have many elements intended to reduce the carbon dioxide effects and so on., but it's also strongly placed in the commercial reality of cost reduction. The actual processing-power within more technologically advanced computer systems is lower, which means there's much less heat to be cooled down. Fuel bills can be considerably reduced for companies like data-centres that are large technology-users.

The vendor-neutral international association 'CompTIA' now provides possibly the most familiar & widely respected impartial IT qualifications. Additional associations also provide worthwhile qualifications, such as 'CWNP' ('Certified Wireless Network Professional') & 'ISC2' (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium). Clearly, there's a comprehensive slew of certification tracks from Microsoft & Cisco. Because there are so many training and job possibilities in this sector, its prudent to take more personal guidance from an experienced advisor prior to choosing your particular route. This will prevent you from making an expensive mistake, in terms of time and money spent.

If you are seeking to develop a professional career in I.T., start by developing some networking know-how. You need to understand precisely how PCs function and connect with each other before you can consider anything else. Assuming a rudimentary level of PC user-skills, (refer to our more general Computer Training web-pages if not,) the starting-point is nearly always CompTIA A+ and Network+ . They're covered on the 'CompTIA' section of this site.

Progressing from this level you can look at the Microsoft MCSA/MCSE or 'Cisco' CCNA or CCNP, subject to whether you are pursuing the hardware or software side of things. Although, it has to be said that a comprehensive knowledge of MS networks is virtually essential for most network environments, due to MS's penetration in this field. You can get more certification information on this web-site from the dedicated MS & 'Cisco' sections.

Another alternative is to continue with 'CompTIA' certifications for example Security+, Linux+ or Server+ & continue being vendor-neutral, or look at the 'CWNA' or 'CWNP' & become a specialist in wireless technology.

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