If we take all the IT fields dominating the modern world stage, this field is one of the largest and most all-encompassing. Typically, some degree of specialisation is required, as to learn about every component could take decades of learning. Both Cisco and Microsoft make systems for this market. The actual Network & Server software is made by MS, while Cisco are mainly concerned with routers and switches, i.e. the Network hardware. Both companies have branched heavily into Security during the last decade, by commercial need. Another fast growing area in this sector is wireless-connectivity and devices. And then we come on to the dark art of Hacking (legitimately) & Computer Forensics : both very complex & incredibly specialist subjects in their own right, & take a great deal of experience and understanding.

Certifications in this sector are not limited to the vendors alone. In actual fact, several well regarded bodies are important participants now where certification is involved. An understanding of network interface-connectivity between & among networks is becoming more and more important. Networking is actually under-going some significant paradigm-shifts right now; thoughts in general are inclined toward 'greener' I.T., & both processing-power & data-storage are shifting towards 'cloud' computing. From the economic point of view, 'greener' engineering must be designed to be more cost effective, as well as being more gentle to the environment. Computer systems will produce much less heat (& therefore require less cooling) if they have lower-power processors. Both of these together vastly cut down the energy bill, and therefore affect a company's bottom-line -- primarily in data-centres & high-volume processing departments.

CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) is a global organisation that now provides many of the most reputed vendor neutral accreditation paths on the market. Companies such as ISC2 provide security certifications, & 'CWNP' offer specialised wireless-networking tracks. Obviously Microsoft & Cisco offer a full array of professional certifications. As there are so many training & career options available in this field, its a good idea to get more in depth guidance from an industry professional before choosing your particular track. This will keep you from making a costly mistake, in terms of money & time spent.

For most people contemplating coming into IT as a profession, basic-networking should be the starting point. Until you understand the way a PC functions and communicates with other PCs, anything more is simply nonsense. Assuming you have proficient user-skills, you will find the CompTIA A+ & 'Network+' programs are perfect to get you started. We feature information about these training programs on the pages dedicated to 'CompTIA'.

What comes next will depend largely on whether you would like to specialise in 'hardware' or 'software'. For 'hardware', you are looking at Cisco ('CCNA'/'CCNP'), and for 'software' you'll need MS ('MCSA'/'MCSE'). That said, MS boasts a major infiltration in the majority of network-environments, therefore an in-depth knowledge of their software is highly relevant whatever your specialisation. As before, you will come across details about each qualification on the actual Cisco and Microsoft sections of this web site.

Alternatively, you might choose to continue down the 'ventor-neutral' path with further 'CompTIA' certification (for example Server+, Linux+ and Security+ ) or possibly try your hand at the wireless (Wi-Fi) aspect of things by taking the 'CWNP'/'CWNA'.

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