Of all the IT sectors ruling the world stage, this area has to be the largest and most all-encompassing. With so many complex skill sets to learn, a degree of specialisation is really the only effective option. Cisco and Microsoft are essentially the 2 leading corporations ruling this field. The actual software program side of networks is Microsoft's department, & the hardware side (routers, controllers & switches and so on.) is where Cisco mainly function. 'Security' has become a huge issue in recent years, which has led both vendors to get in to the sector in a massive way. We also need to note the more commercial use of Wi-Fi these days, which is essentially wireless connections and hardware. And finally, 2 crucial and growing fields in the security marketplace are Digital Forensics and Ethical Computer Hacking.

One of the latest areas within this discipline is Computer Forensics. We connect 'forensics' with TV programmes like CSI Miami. There may though be a tad more routine regarding the actual work compared to that carried out by the actors on our screens! Nevertheless for many, it offers a highly intriguing and rewarding role within technology-based analysis. The basic principle being to gather & analyse 'digital footprints', to deliver evidence either in a criminal or civil enquiry.

Along with Security & Computer Forensics the somewhat new profession of Ethical Hacking is emerging. These are accreditations supplied through the EC Council which teach advanced students the more dark concepts of hacking - but with the goal of using these abilities to protect & raise the security within a system, instead of damaging it.

A basic understanding of networks is an ideal first-base for anybody getting into the IT industry. You need to understand the way PC's operate & connect with one another before you can do anything else. Assuming you possess competent user-skills, you will find the 'CompTIA' A+ and Network+ programs are perfect to begin with. These are dealt with under the CompTIA section on this website.

Progressing from this level will often take you to the MS MCSA or MCSE or perhaps the 'Cisco' CCNA/CCNP, based on whether you are pursuing the hardware or software side of things. Even so, it should be stated that a comprehensive understanding of Microsoft networks is pretty much essential for most network-environments, simply because of Microsoft's dominance in this market. Again, these qualifications are written about in depth on their respective sections on this site.

On the other hand, you might choose to carry on down the 'ventor-neutral' path with more CompTIA accreditation (for example Linux+, Security+ and Server+ ) or even have a go at the wire-less (Wi-Fi) area of things by taking the CWNP or CWNA.

You'll find a variety of speciality MCSE's from Microsoft, that offer options like Messaging or Security if that's the direction you would like. You could possibly decide to look at Security+ from 'CompTIA', and follow that with the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Before opting for this path though you should be aware of the level of experience necessary for the 'CISSP'. Talking things through with one of our team of industry specialists will clarify everything for you.

Industry acknowledged accreditations can be gained from the suppliers as well as vendor neutral companies. In fact, there's a wide range of accreditation that is provided by very respectable impartial organisations - & this has become more and more significant. The importance of grasping converging technologies and inter-connectivity in networks is now firmly appreciated. We're witnessing an essential paradigm shift within networking technology today, attitudes generally are leaning toward 'greener' IT, & both processing power & data storage are moving towards Cloud computing. Green I.T. does not necessarily indicate environmentally-friendly - it does of course have many elements designed to minimise the carbon dioxide impact etc., but it is also strongly installed in the commercial reality of cost savings. Lower power processors & computer systems create much less heat, therefore much less cooling is needed. Energy bills can often be significantly reduced for organisations such as data-centres which are large technology users.

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