As you probably know, network management is a complex and diverse field that’s only getting more so as technology develops and changes are implemented. With this constant state of flux in mind, it takes a particular type of person to rise to the challenge and put their skills and tenacity to the test. Great network managers understand the need for a comprehensive knowledge base that stays relevant through ongoing training and development.

Here’s all you need to know about network systems training – and how to get it right:

Why is network systems training essential?

Peter Sondergaard, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Research at Gartner, hit the nail on the head when he described the 21st business landscape in a single sentence: “Everyone is a technology company” This is a fact that companies in practically every industry are coming to terms with. When your average consumer uses technology to discover, compare, and purchase most things in their life, the organisations behind those products and services need to adapt or be left behind serving a shrinking technophobic customer base.

But technological training isn’t only to better accommodate the needs of your consumer base – it’s vital for efficient and effective running of your company internally as well. All companies have internal networks that, at the very least, facilitate communication and growth across the company. Companies therefore have increased need for highly skilled workers who know their way around a network system, understand network security and are up to date with the latest networking developments.

This is where network systems training comes in. Network managers and system administrators need to have the knowledge and skillset to select and configure network hardware (servers, switches, cables, routers, etc.), based on sufficient research and evaluation, and have the ability to continually maintain and update all of the components. 

How do I get it right?

Network systems as a field covers an extremely wide array of topics and specialised areas that are changing at an extremely rapid pace. As such, it’s important to understand the breadth of training options available, as well as that any given network systems training course becomes dated rather quickly. This is true no matter your initial level of education, especially in today’s climate of accelerated technological development.

Here are a few things to keep in mind to get the most from your network systems training:

Do base training

Getting an associates, bachelors or a master’s degree is not only a great way to build a solid foundation of knowledge – it’s also highly valuable as a psychological tool to boost confidence in yourself and the respect of those around you. Furthermore, doing so develops the skills and critical thinking needed to constantly stay on your feet and adapt to new challenges and situations. There are an abundance of great resources online that offer a variety of networking-related degrees, such as Coursera and Learn.org.

Continue learning

Once you have a solid foundation of base training, keep an eye out for new courses to keep your knowledge base up to date and widely applicable. This approach of continuous learning also offers the opportunity to hone your specialisation into any number of network-related areas, such as LANs, WANs and cabling; IP and routing; Network applications (DNS, SNMP); and Network security. It’s also valuable to go on refresher courses regularly, which will keep you up to scratch and relevant. Continuous learning also entails keeping your ear to the ground for any tech news that could affect your industry. Signing up for new training courses as soon as possible is a great way to heighten your value as an effective CTO. Lastly, always make sure that your training is accredited and comes from a well-reputed institution.

To find out more about IRIS Network Systems, and how network performance monitoring can benefit your business, download our free Network Capacity Guide.

Image credit: www.industrial-ip.org