From: Ken Diliberto (ken@kdmd.net)
Date: Tue Feb 01 2005 - 14:36:28 GMT-3
I think this person is right - to a point. Yes, networks are coming to a
point where they are "plug and play". Yes, many (maybe even most)
networks can be configured by a vendor and left on their own without any
problems (other than worms, virii, etc.).
Now think about what "many networks" or "most networks" mean. How many
home networks are there? How many small office networks are there?
Typically they are one or two infrastructure device networks that support
fewer than 10 computers and have a DLink or Linksys router/firewall
connection to the Internet. They probably have DLink, Linksys or Netgear
switches talking to low-end computers - nothing fancy.
Now, don't take this to mean that skilled networking professionals won't
be needed. Larger networks will almost always need someone to
troubleshoot problems when things act funny or to design expansions,
mergers, etc.
I think the consumer oriented devices will have "adequate" support from
the vendors. There may be some opportunity for supporting home networks,
but this isn't CCIE level stuff.
I do think fairly complex networks will always need the high-cost people -
but with experience, not necessarily certifications. Consider these
people may come from a service provider such as SBC so they won't be on
staff.
I feel like I'm rambling on this morning so I should probably stop (which
doesn't mean I will). Look at networking hardware and software trends.
The basic infrastructure is getting easy to install and manage for even
medium to large size networks. Add more "features" to the basics, and
you're getting into the cutting edge where you need people to handle it.
Ken
>
> CCIE ( Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) is at the top, which I
> think shows tremendous short-sightedness. Folks, networking, routing
> and firewalls are still "hot" skills, but that's not going to last.
> All this stuff is going to be packaged up into teeny little hardware
> bundles that any idiot can configure - in fact, it is close to that
> point now and really is already for the home user. Yes, corporate
> networks demand a bit more, but not all that much more. In a few more
> years, you won't need any high-cost certified type to control even a
> fairly complex network.
[snip]
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