This area of I.T. is perhaps just about the most sweeping & comprehensive there is. Because there are so many advanced skills to learn, some specialist training is really the only realistic answer. Cisco and Microsoft are the two significant organisations dominating this particular field. The actual Network & Server software programs are produced by Microsoft, while Cisco are mainly responsible for routers & switches, that is the Network hard-ware. Both vendors have branched seriously in to security during the last several years, by commercial necessity. An additional fast growing area in this field is wireless connectivity and related products. Lastly, 2 crucial & growing sectors in the Security marketplace are Digital-Forensics and Ethical Computer Hacking.

Digital (or Computer) Forensics is comparatively new on the scene - TV shows such as Crime Scene Investigation may have made us aware of it. There might however be a bit more routine regarding the actual work compared to that executed by the characters on our screens! Even so, technological-forensics is providing an intriguing occupation for a lot of individuals today. The process being to collect & evaluate digital-footprints, to deliver evidence either in a criminal investigation or civil legal case.

Together with Security & Computer Forensics the relatively new profession of Ethical Hacking is developing. Skilled IT professionals can study the concepts of criminal hacking for legitimate ethical security reasons. The EC Council delivers medium to advanced level certifications, entitled the 'CEH' ('Certified Ethical Hacker') & the 'CHFI' (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator).

'CompTIA' (the 'Computing Technology Industry Association') is a worldwide business that currently supplies some of the most respected vendor neutral accreditation tracks out there. In addition there are various other companies, such as the ISC2 (abbreviated from the rather long-winded: International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium!) and 'CWNP' ('Certified Wireless Network Professional'). Naturally, there is a total slew of certification sets from Microsoft and Cisco. The choice may well be rather overwhelming, and therefore we urge you to go carefully and go through your plans with an advisor who understands the procedure well. You might save a lot of time and money, to say nothing of annoyance and disappointment.

You will find various specialist MCSE's from Microsoft, that look after areas like Security or Messaging if that is the direction you need. It might be the CompTIA Security+ is right for you, in order to lead on to the 'CISSP' - 'Certified Information Systems Security Professional'. CISSP prospects must have significant professional working experience, therefore make sure you research this well. Talking things through with our it training advisors will clarify everything for you personally.

Accreditations within this market are not restricted just Cisco and Microsoft themselves. In actual fact, there is a wide range of accreditation that is supplied by extremely respected unbiased establishments - and this has become increasingly significant. The need for grasping converging-technologies & inter-connectivity in networks is now very well accepted. Networking is actually undergoing some significant paradigm shifts at the moment; especially the movement toward 'cloud' or internet-based computing (both in terms of data storage, and also processing-power), & the attitude change towards green IT. 'Green' I.T. does not specifically mean 'saving-the-planet' - it does have many elements intended to lower the carbon dioxide effects etc., but its also solidly installed in the commercial reality of cost reduction. Computers will produce much less heat (and therefore require less cooling) if they have lower powered processors. These two things together greatly lower the energy expenditure, & so impact upon a company's bottom line - especially in data centres and high-volume processing departments.

A basic knowledge of networks is a good first base for anybody getting into the industry. Absolutely nothing else will make sense until you have an understanding of just how computers operate and communicate with one another. If you already have good literacy skills, you'll find programs such as CompTIA's A+ & 'Network+' gives you a very good grounding to begin your career path. We feature details about these programs on our section dedicated to 'CompTIA'.

Progressing from this level you can look at the Microsoft MCSA or MCSE or Cisco CCNA/CCNP, subject to whether you are pursuing the hardware or software end of things. Nevertheless, MS boasts a major domination throughout most network environments, which means an in depth understanding of their 'software' is actually very relevant whatever your specialisation. For more details, you'll find the specifics of each certification on the actual Cisco & Microsoft pages of the web-site.

A different possibility is to continue with 'CompTIA' accreditations for instance Linux+, Server+ or Security+ and continue being 'vendor-neutral', or even look at the CWNA or CWNP and become a specialist in 'wireless' technology.

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