This area of I.T. is possibly just about the most sweeping and extensive there is. It would take decades to train to become a specialist in all elements, & so specialisation is vital to some level. The principle systems 'players' in this market are Cisco and Microsoft. The software side of Networks is Microsoft's department, and the hardware side (routers, controllers and data-switches etc.) is where Cisco mainly work. It's become commercially essential for both MS and Cisco to get into Security during the last several years. Another fast growing area in this field is wireless-connectivity & devices. And next we come on to the dark art of Hacking (legally) and Digital Forensics - both very complex & incredibly specialist subjects themselves, and take a great deal of expertise and knowledge.

The vendor-neutral global organisation CompTIA now provides perhaps the most familiar and highly-regarded impartial I.T. qualifications. In addition there are various other establishments, such as the ISC2 (shortened from the rather long winded: International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium!) & CWNP (Certified Wireless Network Professional). Most prominently however are Cisco and Microsoft themselves, each providing their very own accreditation paths. Mainly due to the range & volume of qualification tracks to be had in this sector, it is wise to discuss this kind of career move with a professional expert. This will prevent you from making a costly mistake, in terms of time and money spent.

One of the more recent sectors in this field is known as 'Digital Forensics'. We might associate forensics with television shows like CSI Miami. There may well though be a bit less glamour to the actual work than that executed by the celebrities on our screens! Having said that, technological forensics provides a fascinating career for a lot of people these days. A Computer Forensics professional will search for and interpret digital-artefacts that are frequently utilised to resolve criminal offences.

Together with Security and Computer Forensics the to some extent new role of Ethical-Hacking is emerging. These are qualifications provided by the EC-Council that teach more advanced candidates the more dark concepts of hacking -- but with the purpose of employing these skills to protect & increase the security within a system, rather than harm it.

To a lot of people checking out getting into IT as a profession, basic networking should be the starting-point. You need to understand the way PC's function and communicate with one another before you do anything else. Presuming a basic level of PC user-skills, (read the general I.T. Training sections if not,) the starting point is nearly always the CompTIA A+ & Network+ . We have extensive information about these programs on the pages focused on 'CompTIA'.

Where you go next will depend largely on whether you intend to specialise in 'hardware' or 'software'. For 'hardware', you're talking about 'Cisco' (CCNA/CCNP), and for 'software' you'll need Microsoft (MCSA/MCSE). Although, it should be mentioned that a good knowledge of Microsoft network systems is pretty much essential for most network-environments, due to MS's penetration in this market. For more details, you will find the specifics of each accreditation on the 'Cisco' and MS areas of the site.

On the other hand, you may choose to carry on on the vendor neutral path with more CompTIA accreditation (e.g. Security+, Server+ & Linux+ ) or even have a go at the wireless (Wi-Fi) aspect of things by taking the CWNP/CWNA.

Accreditations in this marketplace aren't confined to the vendors alone. In actual fact, quite a few well regarded bodies are very important contributors now where accreditation is concerned. The understanding of network interface connectivity between and within networks is now becoming increasingly more important. Networking is in fact undergoing some important paradigm shifts at the moment; both in terms of processing and in data-storage, with 'cloud' computing gaining momentum and 'green IT' starting to be more and more relevant. From a commercial perspective, greener engineering must be built to be a lot more cost effective, as well as being kinder to the planet. The processing-power within more technologically advanced computer systems is lower, which means less heat to cool down. Companies with massive networks of computers can reduce their electricity expenditure substantially with 'greener' and much more efficient PC's.

If you're especially focused on Messaging or 'Security', then MS have specialist MCSEs on offer to handle these areas. Perhaps, the 'CompTIA' Security+ , moving on to the 'CISSP' ('Certified Information Systems Security Professional') may be appropriate. CISSP prospects need to have significant professional work experience, therefore make sure you investigate this well. As always, we suggest that you speak with a skilled industry advisor to avoid any kind of mishaps.

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