What's in-demand and hot right now and for the future?

Although not really related to the topics in this forum, I was really interested in learning Adobe Flash at one time. However, I'm glad I didn't since everyone is abandoning it now. So I learned that it's important to pick the right technology so you won't be out of a job later on.

Although I do a lot of networking at my current job and I'm looking elsewhere, I'm wanting to find something that I can wed with what I know in order to find something else - make myself more attractive to employers and diversify. I'm not fired up at trying to get a CCNP-level cert, and I'd like to get something besides networking, too. Any suggestions on what is really desired right now and wouldn't take a year to get?

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srabiee

I don't think you can go wrong with virtualization and cloud-based solutions and technologies. CompTIA is releasing their new Cloud+ certification in Q3 of this year. Microsoft has a new MCSE in cloud and then there's of course VMware. As thin client and zero clients become more and more popular in the workplace, you will see more demand for those with experience and certifications in these technologies.

What is your current experience, education, and what certifications do you currently hold?

NetworkVeteran

Cat5 wrote: »

I was really interested in learning Adobe Flash at one time. However, I'm glad I didn't since everyone is abandoning it now. So I learned that it's important to pick the right technology so you won't be out of a job later on.

The real lesson is, adapt or die.

Guessing what technologies will be hot and when is speculation and gambling. A little more than a decade ago, IPv6 was about to replace IPv4, Linux was going to overtake Microsoft, and ATM was going to unify networks. Big companies and veterans accept we don't know. They put out feelers and wait for the market to lean, and only then adapt or buy-out a smaller company.

In networking, the battles over SDN and between DC technologies rages. Routing, switching, and MPLS are always hot and have been for years. Multicast and IPv6 are still interesting. Faster data-link technologies each with their unique nuances are always being deployed and on the horizon. Expectations for the timing/reliability/manageability of existing protocols are changing.

As for what's in-demand in your area right now, a search on monster.com is the best way to see!

instant000

What's in demand and hot right now and for the future?

Quite simply: Saving companies money

Companies like spending money on people who can save them money after it is all said and done.

The easier you can make it for them to save money (i.e., with the least risk of failure) the more likely they are to go along with it.

So, what does that look like today?

Basic Principles:
Ease of Management - Make managing 1,000 nodes as simple as managing one node
Ease of Use - Make it so company can manage infrastructure using less-skilled people (who cost less)
Energy efficiency - hardware is expensive, but another big cost is the electricity to power it

Couple Technology Examples:
Virtualization - abstracting the workload and configurations from the underlying hardware
VoIP - reduce voice spend and increase services while getting off legacy phone systems

These are just things off the top of my head. You probably see where I'm going with this.

Of course, you may be wondering: How can I do these things? I say to try to get yourself a solid education in computing fundamentals (doesn't require school, just learn it on your own). Also, get some solid education in business fundamentals (doesn't require school, just learn it on your own) ... and understand CAPEX, OPEX, ROI, EBITDA, and any other acronym that financially-minded management likes to hear. (Management holds the purse strings.). Continually push to learn more.

Of course, all of this can be said more simply:

NetworkVeteran wrote:

The real lesson is, adapt or die.

pinkydapimp

Virtualization, cloud, security are hot right now. So look to build your skills in those areas.

a field that i think is very hot and lucrative is Field Engineering and/or Pre/post Sales Engineering. It pays very well, and its a nice mix of tech/consulting/sales.

MiikeB

Virtualization and cloud are extremely hot right now as well as VOIP. I think SDN will be hot in the future but a search on the job seeker sites doesn't indicate much demand right now, though I think it is partly because it is mostly the tech giants that are implementing it and I think they quietly recruit those who become experts on the subject.

greenerek

Hi,

like others said already. Cloud, NetSec. In my company 3/4 new jobs are cloud related. Good to know Linux(redhat,ubuntu). Also recommend to become cloud software developer. Still hot is networking-security.

NetworkVeteran

MiikeB wrote: »

SDN will be hot in the future but a search on the job seeker sites doesn't indicate much demand right now

Many have heard the hype, but don't get in practical terms what it can do for them. If you "get it" and can explain to a business how you'd leverage it to save them money, that's always in demand. This is a good time to get in if you want to lead in that area. I agree listing the word "SDN" on your resume won't help so much, and one "problem" with SDN is it's straightforward when it's working, and some places that are interested in it see it as simple enough that they just cross-train people on it.

pinkydapimp

I will also add that Big Data and Data Governance are also areas that are hot.

malcybood

Technology wise the answer is simple

Network virtualization
Server virtualization
Storage virtualization

In my opinion you can only really specialise fully in one of these areas asthe susubject matters are so huge, but for example you could go to mid range level in one area and entry level in one or two others.

For example attain CCNP / DP in networking followed by a VCP VMWare entry level certification as these do go hand in hand these days when you look at vswitches and nexus 1k being integrated with the network along with blade switches within server blade centres etc.

The same can be said on storage integrating with server and network stacks. Look at converged fabric switching that Brocade and Cisco Nexus are now producing and shifting successfully.

My advice would be

- Specialise
- skim the surface with another key technology or two I.e. entry level certs
- show an interest and keep up to speed in other areas but don't lose focus on your in demand skill sets

A jack of all trades master of none is only beneficial to a certain level unless you're a genius. You'll find most "gurus" have a focus on one specific area

Hope this helps

N2IT

ERP's, CRM's, Web Services, Data Anaylsis, Virtualization, Storage.

the_Grinch

I have to agree with N2IT being schooled in any of those things will net you some cash. But my personal belief is be an expert in whatever interests you. Once you do that the money will come in I promise you that. It's impossible to predict what is going to be the next big thing. You use Flash as an example, but I'd argue that Flash had a number of good years under it's belt. I know a lot of people who made a lot of money at that time. Consider this, COBOL is considered an all, but dead technology. Yet I see job postings for it all the time and the salaries are crazy. So be an expert in a technology you enjoy and go where ever it takes you.

ArabianKnight

Big Data, Cloud Technologies, and Mobile ...in that order.

networker050184

If you are trying to start from zero with what's 'hot' by the time you master it it won't be hot anymore. I'd much rather suggest going towards a section of IT that isn't gooing away any time soon whether that be networking, systems architecture etc. While the certain technologies in these might change we will always need services and a way to get the data from A to B.

NightShade1

Wireless
Thats the future of Access Layer

BYOD(bring your own divice) phenom

filkenjitsu

SDN - Software Defined Networking
Small Cells/Het Nets
Cellular to Wifi offloading
Data Center technologies - Cisco Nexus switch
APIs used in networking
VOLTE - IMS
LTE-Advanced
MPLS
Ethernet Backhaul - Metro Ethernet Forum Certification
New wireless backhaul technologies for Small Cells - 60Ghz, etc.

Cat5

NightShade1 wrote: »

Wireless
Thats the future of Access Layer

I agree on that. Wireless attracts me as well, but I have zero experience with it. All the job ads demand it (of course), so I wasn't sure if it was worth pursuing. My CCNA expired recently because didn't have the money to retake it. I guess I could take the CCNA-wireless test. Would I have to have a CCNA first to take the CCNA-Wireless, or could I take the CCNA-Wireless to recertify my CCNA? Or if to get the wireless cert, it would at this point require me to take two tests. Not sure how that works.