This area of I.T. is perhaps just about the most sweeping and comprehensive there is. It could take far too long to become an expert in all factors, & so specialisation is vital to some extent. Both Microsoft and Cisco make systems to operate in sector. Microsoft produce Network and Server software, whilst Cisco concentrate primarily on the hardware side of Networking: Routers, data switches, controllers etc. 'Security' has become a big issue recently, which has forced both vendors to move into the sector in a huge way. Also within this field we are witnessing the significant growth of wireless networking. And next we have the dark art of Hacking (legitimately) & Digital Forensics : both of which are complex and very specialist disciplines in their own right, & take a great deal of experience and knowledge.

Industry recognised qualifications can be gained from the suppliers & vendor neutral organisations. A number of well-regarded neutral organisations are now supplying progressively more pertinent & essential accreditations. An essential knowledge of network interface-connectivity between & among networks is becoming increasingly important. Networking is in actual fact going through some major paradigm-shifts right now; especially the move towards 'cloud' or internet-based computing (in terms of data-storage, and also processing power), & the mental attitude shift towards green I.T.. 'Green' I.T. does not specifically indicate environmentally-friendly -- it does of course have elements designed to minimise CO2 effects etc., but it is also solidly placed in the economic reality of cost-savings. The processing power in modern computer systems is lower, which means there's less heat to be cooled down. Businesses with substantial computer networks can bring down their electricity costs considerably with 'greener' and much more efficient computers.

Many of the very best industry-acknowledged accreditations now come from the vendor neutral Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). Additional establishments also supply deserving certifications, for example 'CWNP' (Certified Wireless Network Professional) and 'ISC2' (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium). Naturally Microsoft & Cisco provide a total range of skilled professional certifications. The choice may well be a bit over-whelming, and so we encourage you to tread carefully and go through all of your options with an expert who understands the process well. With no personally tailored help you could head-off in the wrong direction & waste a lot of money or time.

A basic understanding of networks is an ideal first base for anyone getting into the industry. Practically nothing else will make any sense until you have an understanding of how PC's run & communicate with each other. If you have good user skills, you'll find programs like 'CompTIA's A+' & 'N+' provides you with a very good grounding to start out on your career. These are dealt with under the 'CompTIA' pages of this site.

Where you go next depends largely upon whether you wish to focus on 'hardware' or 'software'. With regard to hardware, you're talking about 'Cisco' ('CCNA'/'CCNP'), & for software you will need MS (MCSA/MCSE). Although, it has to be noted that a thorough understanding of MS networks is pretty much a necessity for most network-environments, mainly because of Microsoft's penetration in this market. You can get additional certification details on this site in the dedicated Microsoft & Cisco pages.

A further possibility is to continue with 'CompTIA' accreditations such as Server+ , Security+ or Linux+ & stay 'vendor-neutral', or maybe look at the 'CWNA' or 'CWNP' & become a specialist in wireless technology.

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