(Hewlett-Packard Enterprise) In 2015, HP Enterprise (HPE) was spun off from HP into a separate company, and HP, Inc. retained the PC and printer product lines. HPE was previously the division of HP that targeted IT departments rather than the consumer. As of 2020, HPE revenue (approximately $27B) was about half that of HP.

HP Enterprise (HPE) provides hardware, software and services for companies. HPE's hardware lines run the gamut from x86-based servers to the NonStop family of fault-tolerant servers (see Tandem) to the HPE Cray supercomputers that are specialized for AI (see Cray).

The HPE Greenlake product line delivers cloud computing to customers that choose to maintain a cloud infrastructure in their own datacenters. The Aruba line offers a variety of network hardware, and HPE Financial Services provides financing for IT equipment. See HP.

• Becoming certified as a wireless professional is an effective way to land a high-paying job.
• As the wireless industry grows, it’s crucial to select the certifications that will enhance your career as a wireless professional.
• CCNA, CCNP Enterprise, CompTIA Network+, CWNA and CWSP are among the most valuable certifications, but many more are available.
• This article is for IT professionals seeking to advance their careers in the wireless networking arena.

The wireless networking space has exploded in accurate years and wireless technologies have become a connectivity game-changer. The advent of fourth-generation (4G) wireless wide-area networking technologies and the emergence of LTE (Long Term Evolution) and 5G technology further underscore wireless networking’s critical role in business today. 

The demand for professionals with wireless networking knowledge and expertise is at an all-time high. As wireless professionals map their career paths, adding respected wireless networking certifications to their resumes can show hiring managers they have the cutting-edge, in-demand career skills to take their organizations to the next level. 

We’ll highlight the best wireless networking certifications IT professionals can obtain to demonstrate their skills to current and prospective employers. 

Did you know?: Earning the best IT certifications, including wireless networking certifications, is an excellent career advancement asset that validates your skills and knowledge.

Best wireless networking certifications

According to Salary.com data, wireless engineers earn about $98,99 to $125,000 annually. However, bonuses, commissions, location, seniority and many more factors can affect earnings and boost pay much higher. The right certifications can increase your value and salary. 

Here are our picks for the top wireless networking certifications. 

1. CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification is one of many Cisco certifications. It’s considered to be one of the most reliable certifications for professionals navigating the ever-changing IT industry. The test is comprehensive and covers the following topics: 

• Network fundamentals
• Network access
• IP connectivity
• IP services
• Security fundamentals
• Automation and programmability

Cisco doesn’t insist on stringent prerequisites for this certification. However, there are age requirements: No one younger than 13 can take the exam, and those aged 13 to 17 must have parental consent to proceed. Additionally, Cisco recommends that applicants have at least one year of experience using and implementing Cisco products and solutions, a basic knowledge of IP addressing, and an understanding of network fundamentals. 

Passing the CCNA certification test will provide opportunities for wireless professionals in the following job roles:

• Entry-level network engineer
• Help desk technician
• Network administrator
• Network support technician

After you pass the certification test, your status is valid for three years. After three years, you must apply for recertification via one of two options: passing a qualifying test or earning 30 continuing education credits.

CCNA fact sheet

Did you know?: The CCNA certification is also recommended when pursuing the best computer networking certifications and the best data center certifications.

2. CCNP Enterprise: Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise

If you’re seeking a job maintaining and troubleshooting global enterprise networks, the Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise (CCNP Enterprise) certification is a significant credential upgrade. The CCNP Enterprise certification will test your mastery in the following areas:

• Architecture 
• Virtualization 
• Infrastructure 
• Network assurance 
• Security 
• Automation 

The CCNP Enterprise certification is more complex than the CCNA. You’ll need to complete the following examinations.

1. Core exam: First, you’ll take a core test and its recommended training. The 350-401 ENCOR test will objectively assess your knowledge of enterprise network technologies, a vital step to cementing your CCNP Enterprise certification.
2. Concentration exam: After you complete the core test and training, you’ll be prompted to take another concentration test along with completing its recommended training. You can select a concentration test based on your preferences.

When you pass the two required exams, your certification will be valid for three years. You’ll have expanded opportunities for the following job roles:

• Network administrator
• Systems engineer
• Network support technician
• Mid-level network engineer

CCNP Enterprise fact sheet

Tip: The CCNP Enterprise certification is among the best mobility certifications and certifications to advance your networking career.

3. CompTIA: Network+

The CompTIA Network+ is a wireless networking and cybersecurity certification that assesses a wireless professional’s technical skills in establishing, troubleshooting and maintaining networks for any business on any platform. Additionally, the Network+ certification serves as a prerequisite for other CompTIA certifications, including those listed below:

• Security+
• Cybersecurity Analyst+ (CySA+, formerly CSA+)
• Linux+
• PenTest+

The CompTIA Network+ test examines a candidate’s IT professional capacity and skills in designing and implementing functional networks, configuring and maintaining essential network devices, and implementing network security standards and protocols. Here are some of the subjects covered: 

When you pass this certification exam, your certification will be valid for three years. You’ll benefit from expanded opportunities in the following job roles:

• Network administrator
• Network field technician
• Junior network administrator
• IT consultant
• Network field engineer
• Computer technician
• Help desk technician

CompTIA: Network+ fact sheet

Did you know?: CompTIA Network+ certification is a prerequisite for the CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI certification, which is considered one of the best Linux certifications for an IT career.

4. CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator

The CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator) certification was developed by the Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) organization. It’s a long-standing certification for IT professionals, particularly those who want to specialize in installing and maintaining wireless networks. The test covers the following topics: 

• Radio frequency (RF) technologies
• Antenna concepts
• Wireless LAN hardware and software
• Network design, installation, and management
• Wireless standards and organizations
• 11 network architecture
• Wireless LAN security
• Troubleshooting
• Performing site surveys

The CWNA certification is considered a foundational wireless LAN certification under the CWNP program. Candidates must achieve a score of at least 70 percent to be deemed certified. 

When you pass this certification exam, your certification will be valid for three years, after which you can apply for recertification. While your credential is still valid, you’ll need to take and pass a professional-level test — CWSP, CWDP, or CWAP — to renew your certification. You can also recertify by retaking the CWNA exam.

CWNA fact sheet

5. CWSP: Certified Wireless Security Professional

The Certified Wireless Security Professional certification is a step toward achieving a Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE) certification. It’s a professional-level wireless LAN and cybersecurity certification for which you must first achieve CWNA certification.

The test covers the following topics: 

• WLAN discovery techniques
• Intrusion and attack techniques
• 11 protocol analysis
• Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems (WIPS) implementation
• Layer 2 and 3 VPNs used over 802.11 networks
• Enterprise/SMB/SOHO/public-network security design models

To pass the CWSP exam, professionals must score at least 70 percent, and instructors must score at least 80 percent. When you pass this certification exam, your certification will be valid for three years, after which you can apply for recertification. Recertification is possible only if you hold a valid CWNA credential and pass the current CWSP exam. If you meet these requirements, the certification will be renewed for another three years.

CWSP fact sheet

Tip: Information security professionals should also consider the best infosec and cybersecurity certifications as more business owners seek to protect their companies by hiring qualified cybersecurity experts.

Other worthwhile wireless certifications

While the five featured certification exams are among the most well-regarded in the industry, other certifications can benefit IT professionals seeking to augment their skills and credentials. Here are two more to consider. 

• CWDP: The Certified Wireless Design Professional (CWDP) certification is suitable for professionals with enterprise network design skills and a clear understanding of the WLAN architecture and protocol.
• CWAP: If you’re an IT professional interested in wireless LAN troubleshooting and analysis, the Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP) certification is right up your alley. Aside from the certification, the CWAP examination will also fast-track your chances of becoming CWNE certified, which is great for IT professionals who plan on catering to a broader market or industry.

How IT professionals can enhance their careers with certifications

Achieving respected, rigorous wireless networking certifications can help IT professionals expand their credentials and land more profitable job opportunities. Additionally, they’ll demonstrate their willingness to learn to hiring managers. 

While certifications take time and money, the rewards of career growth and higher compensation more than justify the investment. 

Ed Tittel and Mary Kyle contribute to the reporting and writing in this article.

(Reuters) - Oracle America Inc and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co have settled a long-running copyright dispute over HPE's maintenance of Oracle server software, according to a filing in Oakland, California, federal court.

A jury awarded Austin, Texas-based Oracle $30 million in damages last year after finding Spring, Texas-based HPE infringed its copyrights by providing unauthorized software updates for its Solaris operating system. The companies told the judge overseeing the case Tuesday that they had signed a confidential settlement agreement and asked to dismiss the case.

An HPE spokesperson said Wednesday that the company was "pleased to settle this matter to the satisfaction of all parties involved." Representatives for Oracle did not immediately respond to a request for more information.

The companies said in a November court filing that they had tentatively agreed to settle the dispute.

Part of Oracle's revenue from Solaris comes from contracts to provide buyers with software patches and other technical support. Other companies compete with Oracle to provide Solaris support services, including HPE.

Oracle sued HPE in 2016, alleging HPE used its copyrighted software without a license and undercut Oracle's support pricing.

U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar threw out Oracle's lawsuit in 2019, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals revived the case in 2020.

HPE allegedly violated Oracle's copyrights together with software-support provider Terix Computer Co, which settled a related Oracle lawsuit in 2015 for nearly $58 million. Terix executives later pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for using fake companies to win Oracle support contracts.

Hewlett-Packard Co split into HPE and HP Inc in 2015. The U.S. Supreme Court decided last year not to review a $3 billion jury verdict Hewlett-Packard Co won in 2016 for Oracle's breach of an agreement to keep supporting its software for aging HP servers.

The case is Oracle America Inc v. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, No. 4:16-cv-01393.

For Oracle: Christopher Yates, Sarah Ray and Brittany Lovejoy of Latham & Watkins

For HPE: Jeffrey Thomas, Blaine Evanson, Samuel Liversidge and Ilissa Samplin of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

(NOTE: This story has been updated with comment from HPE.)

Read more:

Oracle wins $30 mln from Hewlett Packard Enterprise in copyright trial

9th Circuit revives Oracle copyright claim against Hewlett Packard Enterprises

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

HP Enterprise (NYSE:HPE) shares fell fractionally in premarket trading on Thursday as Evercore ISI downgraded the technology company, citing concerns that growth may slow as the economy gets weaker. 

Evercore ISI analyst Amit Daryanani lowered his rating on HP Enterprise (HPE) shares to in-line from outperform, but kept the per-share price target of $18, noting that there is an expectation of "moderating" IT spend in 2023, with growth expected to slow to a range of 3% to 5% year-over-year. 

"Furthermore, we think budgets will remain more muted in [the first-half] before improving in [the second-half]," Daryanani wrote in a note to clients.

Daryanani added that HP Enterprise (HPE) has already cited weakness in budgeting and order processes, but the company has performed better than its peers due to a strong momentum in its order book and pipeline.

The analyst also noted that worries over the "true demand" compared to HP Enterprise's (HPE) backlog have persisted, especially as its backlog fell by mid-single digits in its most accurate quarter.

Other issues that also factored into the downgrade include expectations that the server market will moderate in 2023, with revenue expected to be up just 2.7%, compared to 13.5% growth in 2022.

"We think 2023 is evenly balanced between a relatively optimistic full year guide (supported by a healthy backlog) and macro uncertainty impacting IT spend as well as [acceptable use policy] growth moderating (servers in particular)," Daryanani added, while also noting that the stock looks "expensive" when compared to other competitors like Cisco (CSCO).

On Tuesday, Barclays downgraded HP Enterprise (HPE) as it forecast 2023 to be a "challenging" environment.

Analysts are largely bullish on HPE Enterprise (HPE). It has a BUY rating from Seeking Alpha authors, while Wall Street analysts rate it a BUY. Conversely, Seeking Alpha's quant system, which consistently beats the market, rates HPE a HOLD.

Now read: Cisco Systems: Surprisingly Resilient

Subscribe to Seeking Alpha here!

• ChatGPT has taken the internet by storm since it launched in November.

• The AI-powered chatbot can do everything from pass MBA exams to successfully negotiate a raise.

• If you haven't tried it yet, here's a step-by-step walkthrough of how to access and use ChatGPT.

Go to chat.openai.com in your internet browser. The site will ask you to sign up with a new account or log in if you already have one.

During peak usage times, you may not be able to access ChatGPT but you can try again another time (often later in the day) until you get in. The at-capacity notice always comes with some type of ChatGPT-generated message about the site's status, such as the guided meditation seen here.

You can also enter your email to be notified when the site is back up and running.

Once you can access the site, you can make an account using an email address, or use ChatGPT through your Google or Microsoft account. You'll need to enter your phone number later as well.

Once you're logged in, you'll see a disclaimer warning that since this is a free research preview, ChatGPT "may occasionally generate incorrect or misleading information and produce offensive or biased content" and is "not intended to deliver advice."

Another disclaimer follows: Since the public's use of ChatGPT is supposed to help Excellerate the chatbot, anything you tell it may be reviewed, so don't share anything sensitive.

Lastly, OpenAI says you can help Excellerate ChatGPT by choosing to thumbs-up or thumbs-down any given response, or by sharing feedback on their Discord server.

After you click through that last pop-up message, you'll see ChatGPT's home page, which lists some of the chatbot's capabilities and limitations, as well as a few examples of what it can do. You can talk with ChatGPT by using the search bar at the bottom of the page.

Once you ask a question there, ChatGPT will start answering in a new chat.

If you want to modify your question, hover over it, and an icon of a pen and paper will appear to the right. Click on it, make your changes to the question, and click "Save & Submit."

Story continues

As the pop-up mentioned before, you can deliver feedback on whether a response was helpful or not by clicking the thumbs up or thumbs down option to the right of an answer.

You can also click "Regenerate response" at the bottom of the page to see another answer to the same question.

ChatGPT auto-suggests a name for every chat to store it, so you can come back to it later. You can rename the chat by clicking on the pencil icon, or delete the chat by clicking on the trash can. To continue any chat, just keep typing in the search bar at the bottom of the page. If you want to create a new chat (say, to organize various chats on different topics), click "New Chat" in the top left corner.

If you want to delete multiple chats at once, click "Clear conversations" on the bottom left.

Though ChatGPT is free to use, there's also a paid subscription version, ChatGPT Plus, that you can get if you want to upgrade.

It costs $20 a month and gives you access whenever, even during peak times when free users may get shut out. It also gives you a faster response speed and priority access to newly developed features.

Since the launch of ChatGPT, another AI chatbot has come on the scene, this time on Microsoft's revamped Bing search engine.

If you want to deliver the new Bing a whirl, you can find instructions on how to access it here.

Read the original article on Business Insider