SAN JOSE, Calif., November 1, 2001 - (NASDAQ: CSCO) Cisco Systems, Inc. and Panduit Corporation today announced that Panduit will sponsor a Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling course, which will be offered within the Cisco Networking Academy Program. This relationship expands competencies gained through the Cisco Networking Academy Program to include key aspects of cabling systems and prepares students for a broad range of IT endeavors or jobs in the Internet economy.
The Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling course is currently scheduled to be taught in English by Networking Academies in the U.S. and selected sites internationally beginning in July 2002.
Students will get hands-on experience in the lab exercises which will be taught utilizing Panduit's complete copper and optical fiber cabling system solutions, including connectors, outlets, cable management, surface raceway, cable ties and identification products.
"Cisco is delighted to announce Panduit as a sponsor for the new Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling course within the Networking Academy program," said Kevin Warner, Senior Director of Worldwide Education at Cisco. "Panduit's leadership and extensive experience in copper and optical fiber cabling systems make them a valuable partner for our new Cabling course as part of the expanding Networking Academy curriculum.
"Panduit is very excited to join forces with Cisco to provide cabling education and skills to the future members of our industry," said Andrew Caveney, Global Marketing Manager at Panduit. "Cisco's Networking Academy educators recognize the importance of cabling and it's impact on network performance. The Cabling course provides them with the tools needed to share this knowledge. Additionally, Cisco's global learning network delivers quality content via the web in a way that is second to none."
"As an experienced, satisfied user of both the Cisco and Panduit solutions, as well as a Cisco Networking Academy participant, we view this curriculum as an excellent addition to the Academy Program", said Daryl Ann Borel, Assistant Superintendent, Technology at Houston Independent School District.
The Cisco Networking Academy Program employs an e-learning model, using a combination of web- and skills-based, instructor-led learning and hands-on exercises to teach students how to design, build and maintain computer networks. The Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling Systems course is part of the expanding Academy curriculum which Cisco announced in January, 2001 with its Fundamentals of UNIX course, sponsored by Sun Microsystems and Fundamentals of Web Design course, sponsored by Adobe Systems. Currently, more than 218,000 students are enrolled in more than 8200 Networking Academies in 133 countries around the world. The curriculum is available in nine languages.
Cisco Networking Academies are established in high schools, higher education institutions, military bases, workforce retraining centers, juvenile detention centers and homeless shelters.
About Cisco Systems, Inc.
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information are available at www.cisco.com. For more information on the Cisco Networking Academy Program, visit www.cisco.com/edu/presskit.
About Panduit Corp.
Panduit is the World Leader in Network Connectivity Solutions; providing complete copper and optical fiber cabling systems for the Enterprise and Service Provider markets. Panduit is in more than 80 countries around the world and has an extensive network of certified installers, designers, and channel partners. For more information, visit www.panduit.com or send an email to info@panduit.com.