Computer Infrastructure Management refers to the entire range of Planning, Decision Making, Maintenance and Troubleshooting Activities related to Computer Networks, primarily in business organization. One of the most important factors in this domain is ensuring a near total uptime of the network being handed. For most of the service industries, computers, networks and the Internet are the primary working platforms, and the Computer Infrastructure Management aims to ensure that the development team gets uninterrupted service.

An essential part of computer infrastructure management is Networking. But to understand networking, it is important to have an idea about what exactly a network means. A network is a collection of computers and other electronic devices like printers etc, connected together through a common medium like network cabling or wireless technology to a giant global network such as the internet. The network can be used to transmit voice, data and even video between users, who are part of the network.

Network infrastructure includes computers, connectivity mediums like copper wire or fibre optic cable and other devices such as Switches, Routers, Hubs etc. other devices like the network interface card can be used as the computer's connection to the network. Switches and routers are some of the devices that provide traffic control strategies.

There are different types of computer networking but in a corporate house the requirements are different. Total system availability requires coordinated service that covers your hardware, network and software requirements. Network system management is a part of network support service that help to integrate and manage multi platform distributed systems, networks and multi vendor services. Multi vendor services refer to the support of open system technologies.

Any sort of disruption in efficient network management can lead to huge economic loses or revenue loses amounting to millions. This can put several jobs in jeopardy. The work of a network manager is to provide services on a global basis with 99.999% efficiency, often referred as "five nines".

Through efficient Network management you can keep track of equipments that need replacement. For instance a card in a switch might need replacement. In such cases, another tool, that is the work order system can be utilized in a network management. Following this a new work order is created that specifies the card to be replaced. The identifier of the trouble area is put in as the related information and thus the problem is sorted out.

A good understanding of technology and a ever learning attitude is very essential to become a successful networking professional. Since Information Technolooy is an ever changing science, being on top of it is very essential.

Analytical and Problem solving skills do come very handy in isolating and solving issues.

Since this is a support job, maintaining cool when the chips are down and be able to handle problems faced by CEO to the junior-most staff of the organisation.

Computer infrastructure professionals are critical for the functioning of a typical software firm, and are highly respected by peers. It totally depends upon the experience of the network administrator as it opens up opportunities for him/her to further experiment in their career. As a matter of fact, there are ample examples where CIM professionals, after working in the industry for some time, have ventured out and started their own firm.

Computer infrastructure management is a vast domain, and there is perhaps no computer course that provides an all inclusive training module. The aspirant needs to identify his or her own set of specializations. Based on the preferences, he or she can opt for various CIM and networking courses available. However, there are several courses that deal with various aspects of computer infrastructure management. For example, GSX server system management is a training course that explores the VMware "GSX server". This is a software application for the Intel servers.

In CompTIA A+ Certification students learn about the foundation methodology of computers. It includes courses regarding the installation to configuration in managing networks and internet concepts.

CompTIA N+ Certification enables the students to learn about the TCP/IP, OSI model and major networking technologies. Microsoft Certified Professional program helps in learning about the windows server 2003 and windows XP professional.

In Microsoft Certified System Administrator program, students learn to use the windows 2003 networking environment with TCP/IP implementation, remote access and routing implementation.

Microsoft certified system engineer certification enables the students to learn about using Windows 2003 network infrastructure management, Windows server 2003 Active directory, Windows 2003 network security and SQL 2000 server.

In CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associates) the student can learn about working with routers including working with LANs and WANs. Learning to configure and troubleshoot WAN protocols is a part of it.

In Linux students learn about working with LANs and WANs. Also students learn to configure and troubleshoot WAN protocols. A course in Sun Solaris 9.0 system administrator helps the students to learn about the fundamental and advanced concepts of UNIX.

Almost all colleges and universities offer courses on computer science. Apart from this institutes like the NIIT, Aptech, Datapro, Brainware computer academy are some of the other institutes that offer specialized courses. Courses like diploma in MS Office and several other specialized courses are offered in these institutes. Even through distance education like the courses offered at IGNOU, Annamalai University, a degree in Bachelor in Computer Applications and Master in Computer applications can be availed. Even several private universities like the Amity University, Rai University also have courses in computer applications.

There are some specialized institutes in India that offer courses in computer infrastructure. Gates Training institute, established in 1998 in Mumbai has earned the reputation for being a leading institute in imparting network training programs in India. It is also a favorite destination of the international students. Certification courses from leading vendors like Microsoft, Red Hat, Cisco, Comp TIA and others are offered here at Gates.

Appin Knowledge Solutions is known worldwide for providing Hi-Technology Certification Programs and has centers at New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kanpur and Bangalore. This institute has come up with new innovative learning concept using Computer based training software.

CSIT MJP Rohilkhand, Bareilly at Uttar Pradesh offers courses in B.Tech and MCA programmes. Here the number of students' intake every year is 60 +30. Computer networking, fault tolerance, database, software engineering, computer architect are some of the courses taught here.

RK College of systems and management has campuses in Firozabad (UP) and New Delhi. UGC recognized and university affiliated courses at bachelor, graduate and post graduate level in IT are available here.

HBF networks in Bangalore are known for their expertise in the field of Networking Solutions and are now also imparting training in this field. Tech- Sync in Bangalore is technology Development Company that provides assistance to students in developing latest state-of-the art technology projects. They also provide academic projects for BE/ME and MCA students, internship in networking and placement assistance for passed out professionals in networking domain.

IP solutions in Mumbai has India's largest infrastructure for Cisco certification training. Cisco certification courses impart training in CCNA, CCNP, CCSP etc.

One can choose to specialize in one or more of the following fields:

• Cisco Certified Professional
• Microsoft Certified Professional
• Redhat Certified Professional
• Oracle Certified DBA Professional
• Sun Certified Professional

ITIL certification
The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a framework of best practice approaches intended to facilitate the delivery of high quality information technology (IT) services. ITIL outlines an extensive set of management procedures that are intended to support businesses in achieving both high financial quality and value in IT operations. These procedures are supplier-independent and have been developed to provide guidance across the breadth of IT infrastructure, development, and operations.

ITIL is published in a series of books (hence the term Library), each of which covers a core area within IT Management.

The importance of using technology in today's business world is paramount. The flow of career in the field of computer infrastructure management largely depends upon one's years of experience in this field. With the increment in the number of years in job experience, you can hope to get even better offers.

A keen knowledge of these processes and systems opens up vast opportunities in the business world. Many businesses depend on large servers to ensure that their business moves fast. At nationwide and international level IT professionals and system Administrators are being hired by the business houses for smooth communication and operation. There are options for the students to take up one or more certifications to build their resume and opens doors for future.

Salary in computer infrastructure management starts from Rs. 2.5 lakhs per annum. Often during campus placements, packages are offered by the IT companies, while making recruitments from the university campuses. However with 3 to 6 years of experience, salary can go up to Rs 6 to Rs. 8 lakhs per annum. As the number of years of experience multiplies, you can hope to get even better salaries.