This area of IT is perhaps just about the most sweeping & extensive there is. It could take far too long to become an authority in all aspects, and so specialisation is vital to some level. Cisco & Microsoft are essentially the 2 major businesses dominating this sector. The Network & Server software programs are made by Microsoft, and Cisco are mostly concerned with routers & data switches, that is the Network hardware. Each of the companies have branched heavily in to Security over the last several years, through economic need. An additional fast growing market within this field is wireless connectivity & devices. And then we come on to the dark art of Hacking (legally) & Computer Forensics : both of which are complex & highly specialist subjects themselves, & take a great deal of experience and knowledge.

Industry acknowledged certifications can be acquired from the suppliers as well as vendor-neutral organisations. A number of well-regarded independents are today offering progressively more pertinent and essential certifications. An understanding of network interface-connectivity between & among networks is now becoming increasingly important. There are today a number of seismic shifts going on in networking : particularly the movement towards 'cloud' or Internet based computing (both in terms of storage of data, as well as processing-power), and the mental shift toward green I.T.. From a financial point of view, 'greener' technology must be built to be a lot more cost-effective, in addition to being kinder towards the planet. Lower-power processors and computers create much less heat, so less cooling is needed. Companies with significant computer networks can lower their fuel bills appreciably with greener & much more efficient computer systems.

Microsoft offer a number of specialist areas at MCSE level, such as in Messaging or in Security for all those with a particular interest. It may be that CompTIA Security+ is right for you, in order to move on to the 'CISSP' - 'Certified Information Systems Security Professional'. There are stringent 'experience' specifications for the 'CISSP', & these need discussing & understanding before you go down this particular route. Our recommendation is always to take part in an educated discussion before beginning any kind of new career-training.

CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) is a global business that now provides some of the most highly regarded vendor-neutral accreditation tracks out there. In addition there are various other establishments, including the ISC2 (abbreviated from the rather long-winded: International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium!) and 'CWNP' (Certified Wireless Network Professional). Needless to say, there's a whole variety of accreditation sets from Cisco & Microsoft. Largely because of the scope & amount of certification tracks available in this field, its very wise to discuss this kind of career move with an experienced expert. You could save yourself a whole lot of time and money, to say nothing of frustration & discouragement.

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