Microsoft training can mean lots of different things. You may be interested in training courses in the standard Microsoft software applications, or you may be looking at professional grade I.T. training to become a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) in a variety of areas. When you're thinking about any type of training course it is a good idea to first look at exactly what you would like to get from it - for instance why did you begin looking for training in the first place? If you're about to have a career change into I.T., or want to enhance your prospects in the industry, then don't leave it to chance. Speak to an expert training consultant who can help you avoid the wrong things.

To nearly all Computer users, the word 'Windows' comes to mind once they think about 'Microsoft'. To some, it's synonymous with the leading Office programs used, either in the home or at work, to complete particular every-day functions. The most familiar application is MS Word, which is a program for word-processing. While 'Excel' is the most widely used spreadsheet & 'Access' supplies database capabilities to numerous businesses. For giving presentations, Office provides the software application 'PowerPoint', which rounds off the key packages in the suite. (Although there are many more within the 'Microsoft' portfolio, such as 'Outlook', which is very widely as an email, messaging and diary solution.)

Databases possess their own 'language' called 'SQL' ('Structured Query Language') which is needed to interrogate a 'standardised' database. SQL is key to how information is saved on a database & extracted from it. Consequently knowledge of the language is crucial for anyone who wants a professional level database career. 'Developers' ('DBDs') set-up and design databases for Administrators ('DBA's') to manage, interrogate & generate reports about the information. Quite often, a Database Developer may also obtain programming accreditations (in either VB or C#,) so as to have the complete skill-set needed to write database software, as well as design the storage-structures.

MS Networking & Server Operating-Systems lead the corporate environment. It is currently estimated that a minimum of 80-90 percent of all workplace networking systems use 'Windows' Server as the operating platform. This particular software has experienced several up-dates now, beginning with NT Server, after that turning into 'Server 2000', Server 2003 and currently 'Server 2008'. In a commercial sense, 'Server 2003' remains the most prevalent, & it is most likely that a great many organisations utilising this platform will never upgrade to Server 2008. More likely, it will be those previous platforms that will up-grade ('NT' Server or 'Server 2000') - effectively skipping a generation. More information regarding 'Server 2003' and 'Server 2008' is available on our specific 'MCSE' and 'MCSA' training web-pages, where you'll likewise find out more about MS Network and Server Operating Systems.

The drive towards greater professional acknowledgement and proficiency for I.T. staff has been led by MS for several years now. So much so that the entire IT world and especially senior management regard more advanced MS certifications with great respect.

Expert user skills can be developed via specific Microsoft certification paths, & professional support skill-sets via others. For in-depth training on how to professionally use Office yourself, look at the Microsoft Office Specialist ('MOS') or the 'Microsoft Certified Application Specialist' (MCAS). For a certification to support others, go into the 'Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician', or 'MCDST' as its known.

Alternatively, you could be looking at getting into a professionally skilled position in the I.T. sector, & want advanced level Microsoft certification. 'Microsoft' have just lately re-vamped their certification structure, & whilst there are still many tracks based on the 'MCP' qualifications, we are increasingly seeing the change to 'MCITP' (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) and 'MCTS' ('Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist') packages. Students on the 'MCITP' packages usually work up through MCTS training paths.

The main areas that 'Microsoft' provide accreditation tracks for are generally relevant to their core systems. They are namely Networking (and Server Operating Systems), Databases (both Administration & Development) & Programming (& Software Development in Windows). There are particular and different accreditation groupings for each of these routes; refer to the appropriate sectors on this web-site for further details.

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