First, regarding the phrase, professionals need to know their profession. Accountants need to know accounting, financial analysts need to know finance, and network administrators need to know TCP/IP—OSI. That said, however, what differentiates two people with about the same level of knowledge?

Their relationships!

When you're designing a computer network, knowledge of data communications technology is critical; but when youre an accounts payable manager who's been asked to prepare a high-level management statement of networking alternatives, then knowing who to call for help is more important than your particular knowledge of data communications.

> Knowledge of data communications at the basic level of this chapter will help you better talk with experts in the field. It will help you build your network.

> Enlarging your networks and using your relationships to be more effective at work is an accepted norm in business. It is therefore ethical.

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