I think I'm going to get certified in something to get me to the next level (beyond technical desktop support, contract programming projects) while i have the time. I would like to get into the network/server administration scene. I'm not partial to linux or windows, but the demand seems higher for Active Directory / MS / Exchange type jobs.

I've pretty much crossed CCNA off my list. Everyone and their mother has this.

I looked into CompTIA courses but I just don't see the demand there for their certs.

Feedback welcome before I commit to anything.

8/5/2011 3:41:39 PM

if you want to enrich your career in the long term, software engineering/architecture, SoA, cloud services, virtualization, and SAN technologies (READ: NOT VENDORS) are where I would look. applications of the future are going to be delivered as services and aren't going to be tied to a specific OS.

larger companies want to be architected for OpEx vs CapEx so they can push operating costs directly to their customers and follow the deal rather than be married to some anchor they bought/leased for the next 3 years.

these days you pay for support and the enterprise wants someone to design the infrastructure, not a cable man or someone to run windows patches as these functions are getting replaced by software.

[Edited on August 5, 2011 at 5:12 PM. Reason : more]

8/5/2011 5:12:00 PM

higher level cisco certs (Professional and Expert level), vmware certs.

I'm working on my ccie-san and vcp but now that i might have to cover the cost myself it might slow me down a bit

8/5/2011 6:11:02 PM

Smooth, i agree with you 100% but today all these companies are slaves to the big vendors. I think 10 years from now i can cross that bridge and just get recertified

8/5/2011 8:00:12 PM

i'm glad the area of IT i work in laughs at certs

8/5/2011 9:52:18 PM