Of all the I.T. areas dominating the modern world stage, this particular field has to be the biggest and most all-encompassing. Generally, some level of specialisation is needed, since to learn about every component might take decades of training. Both Microsoft and Cisco produce systems to operate in sector. The software side of Networks is MS's department, & the hardware side (routers, controllers and data switches etc.) is where Cisco mainly works. It's become commercially necessary for both MS and Cisco to get into Security during the last decade. We also need to note the more professional use of WiFi now, which is basically wireless-connections & hardware. And then we have Hacking (legally) and Computer Forensics - each of which are complex & extremely specialist subjects in their own right, and take a considerable amount of expertise and knowledge.

You will find a number of specialist MCSE's from Microsoft, that cater for areas like Security or Messaging if that's the direction you would like. Maybe, the 'CompTIA' Security+ , moving on to the 'CISSP' (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) may be appropriate. Before opting for this particular path though you have to be aware of the exact level of work experience needed for the CISSP. Talking things through with one of our team of industry experts will shed more light on everything for you personally.

Qualifications within this sector are not confined Microsoft & Cisco alone. The fact is, there is a great deal of accreditation that's presented by very respected independent organisations - & this is becoming more and more important. The importance of grasping converging-technologies & inter-connectivity in networks is now well accepted. We're seeing a major generational shift within networking technologies today, both in terms of processing and in the storage of data, with internet-based computing gaining presence and 'green IT' getting to be increasingly relevant. From the financial standpoint, 'greener' engineering must be designed to be a lot more cost effective, in addition to being more gentle towards the planet. Lower power processors & computer systems produce much less heat, which means less cooling is necessary. Organisations with huge networks of computers can lower their energy expenditure considerably with greener & more efficient PC's.

One of the most recent sectors in this particular field is known as 'Computer Forensics'. We relate 'forensics' with TV programmes such as CSI Miami. The actual reality of 'Computer Forensics' is much more routine than pictured in these types of programmes (clearly!) And yet, forensic investigation by means of complex technology can offer a hugely gratifying career. A Computer Forensics professional will search for and interpret digital-artefacts which can often be used to resolve offences.

Alongside Security and Computer Forensics the to some extent new profession of Ethical-Hacking is emerging. Experienced IT professionals can learn the principles of 'criminal' hacking for ethical security purposes. The EC Council provides medium to high level certifications, entitled the 'CEH' ('Certified Ethical Hacker') and the 'CHFI' ('Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator').

Many of the best industry-recognised accreditations today are produced by the vendor-neutral 'Computing Technology Industry Association' ('CompTIA'). There are also many other organisations, such as the 'ISC2' (abbreviated from their rather long winded: International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium!) and 'CWNP' (Certified Wireless Network Professional). Most prominently needless to say are Cisco and Microsoft themselves, each offering their own accreditation tracks. Because there are so many training & career options available in this area, its prudent to get more personalised help and advice from an experienced advisor prior to choosing your particular route. This will likely stop you from getting into a costly mistake, in terms of time and money spent.

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