This field is one of the largest and most all-encompassing sectors in the field of I.T. Normally, some level of specialisation is needed, since to learn about every element could take too many years of learning. Cisco & Microsoft are the two major corporations ruling this particular sector. Microsoft create Network and Server software, whilst Cisco focus largely on the hardware end of Networking: Routers, switches, controllers etc. It's become financially and economically essential for MS and Cisco to move into Security over the last several years. Additionally within this field we are experiencing the substantial development of wireless networking. And next we have the dark art of Hacking (legitimately) and Digital Forensics : each of which are complex and incredibly specialised disciplines in their own right, and take a great deal of experience and knowledge.

Industry acknowledged accreditations can be obtained from the vendors themselves and vendor neutral companies. In fact, quite a few well regarded bodies are essential contributors now where accreditation is involved. The importance of grasping converging-technologies and inter-connectivity in networks has become well accepted. We're experiencing an important paradigm shift within network technologies today, both in processing terms & in the storage of data, with internet based computing gaining presence and 'green I.T.' getting to be increasingly relevant. Green IT does not particularly signify 'saving the planet' - it does of course have many elements designed to reduce the carbon dioxide impact etc., but it is also strongly placed in the economic reality of cost-savings. The actual processing-power in modern computers is lower, which means there's less heat to be cooled down. Both of these together vastly cut down the energy bill, and therefore affect a business' bottom line -- in particular in data-centres and high volume processing departments.

To a lot of people looking at coming into IT as a profession, basic-networking is the starting place. Absolutely nothing else will make sense until you've developed a grasp of the way PC's operate & link to one another. Assuming you have a minimum of basic user-skills, you'll find the 'CompTIA' A+ & 'Network+' training programs are ideal for starters. We include information regarding these programs on our section focused on CompTIA.

Progressing from here you might consider the MS 'MCSA'/'MCSE' or perhaps the 'Cisco' CCNA or CCNP, subject to whether you're pursuing the 'hardware' or 'software' side of the equation. Even so, it must be mentioned that a thorough knowledge of Microsoft networks is virtually essential for most network-environments, due to Microsoft's dominance in this market. As before, you will come across information about each qualification on the actual Cisco and MS sections of this site.

On the other hand, you might choose to keep going on the vendor-neutral path with further CompTIA certification (e.g. Linux+, Security+ and Server+ ) or possibly have a go at the wireless ('Wi-Fi') area of things by taking the CWNP/CWNA.

Many of the finest industry-recognised certifications now are produced by the vendor neutral Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). Organisations such as 'ISC2' offer security qualifications, and CWNP offer specialised wireless-networking tracks. Needless to say Cisco and Microsoft offer a complete array of professional level certifications. The choice may well be rather over-whelming, and so we advise you to tread very carefully and discuss all your alternatives with an advisor who knows the procedure well. You might save yourself a whole lot of money & time, as well as frustration and discouragement.

Microsoft Software Certification Courses >>