3Com offers certification program on the Net

3Com Phils., a leading networking company, is maximizing online education techniques through its certification program offering.

The Certified Solutions Associate (CSA) program, which gives networking professionals an extra measure of credibility, personal recognition and competitive advantage in selling, servicing and integrating networking solutions, is now offered in 3Com University’s website (www.3com.com/3comu).

This training initiative is designed for networking professionals who require introductory technology, product and solutions knowledge and skills to become an authority on 3Com products.

The CSA curriculum focuses on computing and technologies, from the basic definitions and concepts of networking to convergent network technologies, wireless LAN and WAN interconnectivity.

CSA candidates are also able to gain understanding of how 3Com’s products and business solutions can be used to support the networking requirements of small to medium business sites and home users.

To ensure the high quality of certified associates and that 3Com and international standards are met, each course module includes a validation exam.

There are downloadable course modules on 3Com AirConnect wireless networking, NBX 100 Communications System, SuperStack 3 Firewall and Switch 4900, SuperStack II RAS 1500 and Router 400 and the Switch 4007.

Adapted for networking professionals interested in learning how to recognize market opportunities, these courses also offer a solutions overview by presenting "radically simple" features, customer benefits and industry trends.

"3Com started to offer this online certification program to address the growing need for education in networking technologies for the Philippine market," Kenneth Palacios, 3Com Phils. country manager said.

"We found out that most Philippine MIS and LAN administrators are open to Web-based courses. This gives them the flexibility to study at their own leisure, and adapt to the pace in their industry. It does not distract them from their regular work routines, but complements it, by having a delivery mechanism that would allow them to progress in their studies as their time allows," Palacios added.

The certification program is not limited to professionals and 3Com channel partners but is accessible to students as well. The online modules are designed such that anyone interested in networking, industry standards and 3Com technologies can avail themselves of the program.

Since the program began last January, 39 people have attained CSA certification in the Philippines.

To be certified, an applicant must first enroll by submitting the registration form online, after which a notification via e-mail will be sent to confirm his enrollment. Each course has its own curriculum and online assessment test.

The Web-based courses generally take from one to three hours to accomplish. After all course modules are completed, the individual can take the final certification exam that will give him the title 3Com Certified Solutions Associate. To maintain certification status after one year from the date the final exam was passed, a certified individual must hurdle update exams.

For more information on the program, call 3Com Phils. at 849-3979.