Of all the IT areas ruling the global stage, this area is one of the largest and most all encompassing. It could take many years to train to become an expert in all factors, & so specialisation is vital to some extent. Cisco & Microsoft are the 2 key businesses who rule this sector. The software side of Networks is Microsoft's focus, and the hard-ware side (routers, controllers & switches etc.) is where Cisco primarily work. Security has become a big concern in recent years, which has forced each of the corporations to move in to the sector in a big way. Another fast growing area within this sector is wireless-connectivity and devices. Although Computer Forensics and Ethical-Hacking have feet in all of these sectors, they're also professions by themselves, and call for considerable training & real-life experience to be entirely effective.

Digital (or Computer) 'Forensics' is relatively new to the picture - TV programmes like CSI-Crime Scene Investigation may have brought it to our attention. There may well however be a tad more routine with the real workload when compared with that executed by the celebrities on TV! All the same, forensic-investigation using advanced technologies can provide a really rewarding profession. The process being to collect and evaluate 'digital footprints', to provide evidence in either a criminal or civil enquiry.

Alongside Security & Computer Forensics the somewhat new role of Ethical-Hacking is emerging. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and the 'Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator'(CHFI) are mid - high level accreditations supplied through the EC-Council.

'CompTIA' (the 'Computing Technology Industry Association') is a global enterprise that now supplies many of the most highly regarded vendor neutral certification paths available. Establishments like 'ISC2' offer 'Security' accreditations, and CWNP supply specialised wireless networking tracks. Most conspicuously needless to say are Cisco & Microsoft themselves, each with their own qualification tracks. With the amount of training and career options available in this sector, it is sensible to take more in-depth help and advice from an industry professional prior to choosing your particular path. This will likely keep you from making a costly mistake, both in terms of time and money spent.

Certifications in this marketplace aren't restricted just Cisco and Microsoft themselves. In fact, there's a great deal of certification that is supplied by extremely respectable independent establishments -- and this is becoming increasingly important. The importance of grasping converging technologies and inter connectivity in networks has become very well recognized. There are right now some major shifts happening in networking - particularly the move towards Cloud or internet-based computing (in terms of storage of data, as well as processing power), & the mental change towards 'green' IT. 'Green' I.T. does not particularly signify 'saving the planet' - it does have many elements intended to minimise CO2 impact etc., but its also solidly seated in the economic reality of cost reduction. The processing power in more technologically advanced computer systems is lower, which means less heat to be cooled down. Organisations with substantial networks of computers can bring down their energy expenditure substantially with 'greener' and much more efficient computers.

A rudimentary knowledge of networks is a good first-base for anyone getting into the industry. Until you're confident about how a PC functions and 'communicates' with other PCs, anything more is probably nonsense. Providing you have good literacy skills, you'll find packages such as CompTIA's A+ and Network+ offers you an excellent grounding to begin your career. We feature information regarding these packages on the section dedicated to 'CompTIA'.

What you choose to do next will depend largely on whether you intend to work in hardware or software. For hardware, you are looking at 'Cisco' (CCNA/CCNP), & for 'software' you will need MS ('MCSA'/'MCSE'). Having said that, an in-depth knowledge of Microsoft's operating-systems is very beneficial as they're such an important aspect of most networking environments. As before, you'll come across information regarding each qualification on the 'Cisco' and MS areas of the website.

On the other hand, you might want to continue down the 'ventor-neutral' path with further CompTIA certification (for example Server+, Linux+ and Security+ ) or even have a go at the wireless (Wi-Fi) side of things with the 'CWNP'/'CWNA'.

You will find a number of specialist MCSEs from Microsoft, that cater for subjects such as Messaging or Security if that is the direction you need. It could be that CompTIA Security+ would be best for you, in order to lead on to the CISSP - 'Certified Information Systems Security Professional'. There are strict 'experience' specifications for the 'CISSP', and these need discussing & getting to grips with before you take this particular track. Our long-standing advice is always to have an educated discussion prior to embarking on any kind of new career-training.

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