If we take all the I.T. areas dominating the world stage, this particular field is one of the largest and most all-encompassing. Typically, some level of specialisation is needed, since to learn about each component could take too many years of training. The main systems players in this market are Microsoft & Cisco. MS create Network and Server Software, whilst Cisco focus primarily on the hard-ware side of Networking: Routers, data-switches, controllers and so on. Security has become a big concern in recent years, which has forced each of the corporations to get into the market in a big way. Another fast growing area in this field is wireless connectivity & devices. And next we come on to Hacking (legally) & Digital Forensics - each very complex & very specialist subjects in their own right, & take a great deal of practical experience and knowledge.

If you are seeking to progress a career in I.T., begin by gaining some networking expertise. Until you are aware of just how a Computer functions & communicates with other Computers, anything else is simply nonsense. As long as you have good literacy skills, you will find training programs such as CompTIA's A+ and N+ provides you with a superb grounding to start your career. Examples of these are covered on the 'CompTIA' section of this web-site.

Moving on you can choose to go down the MS MCSA or MCSE path if you are focused on 'software', or the Cisco 'CCNA' or 'CCNP' track if you are attracted to 'hardware'. Nonetheless, an in-depth knowledge of Microsoft's operating systems is extremely advantageous as they are such a key aspect of most networking environments. Again, these qualifications are covered in-depth on their respective pages on this web-site.

However, you may choose to remain on the vendor-neutral route with more 'CompTIA' qualification (e.g. Linux+ , Server+ & Security+ ) or even try your hand at the wire-less ('Wi-Fi') area of things by taking the CWNP/CWNA.

Microsoft offer a number of specialist areas at MCSE level, for instance in Messaging or in Security for trainees who have a special interest. Quite possibly, the 'CompTIA' Security+ , moving onto the 'CISSP' (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) could be appropriate. There are tight experience requirements for the 'CISSP', and they need talking about & understanding prior to deciding to go down this route. Our professional recommendation is of course to take advantage of an educated discussion before embarking on any new career training.

Computer (or Digital) Forensics is relatively new to the picture - Television shows such as 'Crime Scene Investigation' could have brought it to our attention. There may well however be a bit less glamour with the actual work compared to that executed by the celebrities on our screens! However for many people, it offers a very intriguing and satisfying career within technology-based analysis. The process being to collect and evaluate 'digital footprints', to deliver evidence in either a criminal investigation or a civil legal case.

Together with Security & Computer Forensics the to some extent new role of Ethical Hacking is developing. These are qualifications supplied by the EC-Council that teach advanced students the dark concepts of hacking -- but with the intention of using these competencies to protect and increase the security within a system, instead of harming it.

Many of the best industry-acknowledged qualifications today are produced by the vendor neutral 'Computing Technology Industry Association' ('CompTIA'). Companies such as 'ISC2' supply security qualifications, & 'CWNP' offer professional wireless networking paths. Obviously Cisco and Microsoft provide a full array of skilled professional accreditations. Mainly because of the scope & number of certification routes to be had in this field, its a good idea to talk through this type of career change with an industry experienced advisor. This will stop you from making a costly mistake, in terms of time & money spent.

Industry-recognised certifications can be gained from the vendors themselves as well as vendor-neutral organisations. In actual fact, several highly regarded associations are very important players now where accreditation is involved. The importance of understanding converging technologies & inter-connectivity in networks has become very well understood. There are now some considerable changes occurring in networking : particularly the movement towards 'cloud' or Internet based computing (regarding data storage, and also processing power), & the mental attitude change toward green IT. From the commercial standpoint, greener engineering must be built to be more cost effective, as well as being more gentle to the environment. Computer systems will produce less heat (& therefore need less cooling) when they have lower powered processors. Fuel expenses can often be considerably reduced for organisations like data-centres that are large technology-users.

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