3Com announces MNS programme

Soumya Sarkar

3COM Corporation, the global networking leader, has announced the Asia Pacific launch of its Master of Network Science (MNS) certification programme for networking professionals in the region. The programme is targeted at creating a work-force of network professionals proved to have the skills to design, install, and support and service 3Com solutions.

The launch of the MNS programme is particularly significant given the large and growing base of 3Com networking products installed in enterprises across Asia Pacific. ``The increasing deployment of 3Com end-to-end networks by governments, educational institutions and companies across Asia, along with the rapidly-expanding importance of converged applications that combine voice, video and data on a single network, is leading to a strong demand for 3Com-certified engineers,'' says Matt Mitchell, director of customer services, 3Com Asia Pacific Region.

The MNS certification tests individuals in five different areas of specific expertise: LAN, WAN, remoteaccess, network management and network architecture. The programme is designed to benefit four distinct groups:

Individual network professionals, who can demonstrate networking skills competency to employers and prospective employers through attaining certification;

Employers, for whom MNS is a definitive measure of expertise when evaluating staff or making hiring decisions;

Service organisations, which can use MNS as a marketing tool. The number of 3Com MNS-credentialed engineers it employs will be a measure of the overall skill of the organisation;

Any networked enterprise, which will receive the best possible service from 3Com MNS-certified engineers.

``The 3Com MNS certification guarantees that an individual knows how to do the job they have been hired to do, and helps ensure that the 3Com networking solution is delivering optimum benefits to the organisation,'' says Mitchell.

In a move designed to further strengthen 3Com's training partner strategy and provide engineers withthe best possible support when preparing for MNS, 3Com will be working in partnership with leading training organisations across the region. These partners will work closely with 3Com to provide training solutions to individual engineers, resellers and network consultants on 3Com's end-to-end range of network products.

3Com's partners and customers across Asia Pacific have reacted positively to the MNS programme. Says Trevor Boal, professional services director, Anixter Asia Pacific: ``The 3Com MNS certification will allow network specialists to be recognised at a high level of competence as it recognises their skill in networking technology.''

Says Michael Pschiuk, division manager for Singapore-based Siemens Advanced Engineering: ``3Com's enhanced certification programme provides IT professionals with a challenging and yet rewarding assessment of their theoretical and practical skills. It will be well received by the industry for it provides them with a level of comfort that their mission-criticalnetworks are being looked after by trained professionals.'' Siemens is one of 3Com's largest global partners and its Singapore office has committed to put its technical staff through the MNS programme.

To earn a 3Com MNS Credential, a candidate must pass a two-tiered MNS examination for one or more of the five specialisations. The first tier of the examination consists of multiple web-based tests. Those who pass these tests are eligible to take a hands-on, practical examination that measures competencies in design, installation, configuration and support. 3Com coursework is not a pre-requisite for taking the test, but a thorough understanding of 3Com's products is essential.

The course and Web-based tests are offered world-wide. For Asia Pacific, the initial 3Com laboratory-testing centre for the hands-on practical training and examination will be in Singapore. Individuals who have earned the 3Com MNS Credential receive benefits in addition to their credential:

Priority access to 3Com's seniortechnical support staff;

Free subscriptions to 3Com's quarterly technical manuals;

Membership in a secure, Web-based forum for fellow 3Com Masters of Network Science and 3Com support engineers;

Participation in exclusive conferences, seminars, special events and internal training programmes such as 3Com University.

The fees for the entire course is $20,000. Further information for the MNS programme can be had at 3Com's World Wide Web site at www.3com.com.

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