If we take all the I.T. sectors dominating the modern world stage, this field has to be the largest and most all encompassing. With so many complex skill sets to embrace, a degree of specialist training is the only realistic solution. The key systems players in this marketplace are Cisco and Microsoft. MS create Network & Server software, while Cisco focus primarily on the hard-ware end of networking: Routers, switches, controllers and so on. Each of the businesses have moved seriously into security during the last decade, through commercial need. Equally within this field we're observing the substantial development of wireless-networking. And next we come on to the dark art of Hacking (legitimately) and Digital Forensics : both of which are complex and incredibly specialist disciplines in their own right, and take a considerable amount of practical experience and knowledge.

'CompTIA' (the 'Computing Technology Industry Association') is a worldwide enterprise that currently provides some of the most reputed vendor neutral certification tracks on the market. In addition there are various other companies, such as the 'ISC2' (shortened from the somewhat long-winded: 'International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium'!) & CWNP ('Certified Wireless Network Professional'). Needless to say Microsoft and Cisco provide a full array of professional level certifications. With the amount of training & career possibilities in this field, it's advisable to get more in-depth guidance from an experienced professional before selecting your specific course. This will likely prevent you from getting into a costly mistake, in terms of time and money spent.

Of course, Digital or Computer Forensics is a frequently used expression that has been popularized by TV shows like "Crime Scene Investigation - CSI". There may however be a bit more routine regarding the real workload when compared with that done by the actors on TV! Having said that, technological forensics is providing an intriguing occupation for a lot of individuals today. The theory being to gather and analyse digital footprints, to provide evidence either in a criminal investigation or a civil enquiry.

Alongside Security and Digital Forensics the somewhat new field of Ethical-Hacking is developing. Seasoned I.T. professionals can study the principles of 'criminal' hacking for ethical security reasons. The EC Council delivers mid to high level certifications, namely the CEH ('Certified Ethical Hacker') and the 'CHFI' (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator).

There are now broader alternatives beyond Cisco & Microsoft to become qualified in these disciplines. Many well-regarded neutral organisations are today offering increasingly more applicable and important certifications. The importance of understanding converging technologies and inter connectivity in networks has become firmly appreciated. Networking is in fact undergoing some significant paradigm shifts at the moment; especially the move toward 'cloud' or Internet based computing (in terms of data-storage, as well as actual processing power), and the mental shift toward 'green' I.T.. From the commercial perspective, greener technology has to be designed to be much more cost effective, in addition to being kinder to the planet. The processing-power within modern computers is lower, which means much less heat to cool down. These two things together vastly cut down the energy expenditure, and therefore impact upon a company's bottom-line -- particularly in data centres and high volume processing areas.

If you're aiming to develop a professional career in IT, begin by developing a certain amount of networking expertise. Until you are aware of exactly how a PC functions and 'communicates' with other PCs, anything else is nonsense. Assuming a rudimentary level of IT user skills, (read the more general I.T. Training pages if not,) the recommended starting-point is almost always 'CompTIA' A+ & Network+ . Information about these certifications can be found in the CompTIA area of this site.

Progressing from here you might consider the Microsoft MCSA or MCSE or perhaps the 'Cisco' CCNA or CCNP, based on whether you're more interested in the hardware or software end of the equation. Having said that, an in-depth knowledge of MS's operating systems is highly valuable as they're such a key aspect of the majority of networking environments. You will get additional certification details on this site in the dedicated MS & Cisco sections.

Another possibility is to continue with CompTIA qualifications like Linux+, Server+ or Security+ & continue being vendor-neutral, or perhaps take the CWNP or CWNA and become a specialist in wire-less technology.

Microsoft produce numerous specialisations within MCSE, such as in Messaging or Security for those who have a particular interest. Possibly, the 'CompTIA' Security+ , advancing on to the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) could be suitable. CISSP candidates must have considerable professional experience, so be sure you research this well. Our professional advice is always to have an educated discussion before embarking on any new career-training.

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