Well, you're right to not try to go outside right away. IT people *HATE* sales guys that don't have at least enough tech background to tell them why they should buy 'X' widget other than the data sheet you got handed. Some shops might be nice, but techs and even tech decision makers (managers, directors, C level) can and will throw the entire reseller out if you come in clueless.
No one expects a sales guy to code software, but you really do need to know a little bit about the entire IT forest as opposed to tree you're selling. The downside of tech is that just like the engineers you're a shark. New tech, every freakin day. Stop swimming and you die.
I'd say that there is HUGE opportunity in IT sales. I worked for a reseller for the last 4 years (as an engineering resource, but I worked with sales regularly as a subject matter expert) and yes Jr. guys might not make a lot. But I know I was offered mid 100's as a sales engineer and that's a higher base but a lower commission. The tops sales guys in our office do VERY well.
If you can handle the grind not just of selling but keeping up with the constant change then I would say go for it. Especially considering you're already outside sales and just need to learn the ropes. If you do it, buddy buddy with the sales engineers, they'll get able to give you enough conceptual knowledge of the technology without drowning you in details.
