Nortel Networks, the leading global provider of Optical Internet solutions, has established the first Optical Internet certification programme to meet the growing global demand for qualified optical Internet design and support professionals.
"The explosive growth of the Optical Internet market has created tremendous demand for IT professionals who can sell, design, implement and support the new optical networks and services that are required globally by enterprises and service providers," says Malcolm Bayes, Country Manager of Nortel Networks South Africa.
"Nortel Networks intends to use its new Optical Internet professional certification programme to help meet this demand, and support continued growth, quality design and implementation of the Optical Internet.
"Part of the Nortel Networks Certification Programme, this course is intended to help accelerate worldwide deployment of the Optical Internet. Many companies have already signed up for the course, these include IBM, Metromedia Fiber Networks and Unisys," reports Bayes.
"This new course is designed to certify information technologists and networking professionals in both enterprise and service provider environments. It will be available to IT professionals in the beginning of the first quarter next year, however preparatory training is available immediately in selected areas."
Nortel Networks will offer six certification designations within the Optical Internet certification programme that include four `specialist level` and two `expert level` programmes. The specialist level will include account specialist, support specialist, design specialist and field specialist. In turn, those who achieve certification as either a design specialist or support specialist will be eligible for certification at the expert level.
In addition to the new Optical Internet course, Nortel Networks plans to evolve its existing architect certification to incorporate optical content. Currently, the Nortel Networks Certification Programme also offers certification courses in enterprise local and wide area networking, including specialist, expert and network architect levels of achievement.
Charlotte Denenberg, VP optical infrastructure, Metromedia Fiber Network, said: "Nortel Networks Optical Internet certification supports our mission to be the leading provider of end-to-end optical network solutions. It strengthens Metromedia`s capabilities to build a metropolitan fiber optic infrastructure, and to enable our customers to implement the latest data, video, Internet and multimedia applications."
Andy Galt, MD, Global Network Services, Unisys, said: "Unisys customers are increasingly demanding optical networking for eBusiness solutions driven by the rapid convergence of voice, video and data. Nortel Networks is setting the standard in optical networking. As part of our global relationship, Unisys is working with Nortel Networks to create certified solutions that address our customers` evolving eBusiness requirements."
"Creating a pool of educated and certified people to architect, design and implement optical networks benefits not only Nortel Networks customers, but the market as a whole. The Optical Internet is a vital part of the global economy," concludes Bayes.
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Nortel Networks
Nortel Networks is a global Internet and communications leader with capabilities spanning Optical, Wireless, Local Internet and eBusiness. The Company had 1999 U.S. GAAP revenues of US$21.3 billion and serves carrier, service provider and enterprise customers globally. Today, Nortel Networks is creating a high-performance Internet that is more reliable and faster than ever before. It is redefining the economics and quality of networking and the Internet, promising a new era of collaboration, communications and commerce. Visit us at www.nortelnetworks.com.