PORT BLAIR, India -- 22 November 2001 -- Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the administration of Andaman & Nicobar Islands to set up the Cisco Networking Academy Program in the Union Territory. The MOU was signed between Shri Prakash Kumar, Secretary Information Technology, Andaman & Nicobar Administration and Mr. Rajeev Chopra, Vice President, India and SAARC Region, Cisco Systems.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Government is stretched over an area of more than 700 kms from north to south with 36 inhabited islands out of 572. Besides creating a high bandwidth communication backbone across the Union territory, A & N Islands is working towards providing a citizen-enabled IT infrastructure through its recent IT initiatives. The MOU with Cisco is one step towards providing better human resource development in the Islands.
As part of the MoU, a Regional Networking Academy will be established in the Union Territory, which will receive networking equipment, comprehensive training, the Networking Academy curriculum, and technical support from Cisco Systems. The Regional Academy will in turn set up Local Networking Academies in polytechnics and colleges across the state.
To help maintain the highest quality of training and education at these institutions and the other Networking Academies around India, Cisco will implement the Cisco Networking Academy Quality Assurance Plan.
The Cisco Networking Academy Program focuses on teaching students how to design, build, and maintain computer networks. The program prepares students for the 21st Century workplace, while serving as a valuable model for e - learning. As of today, approximately 232,000 students have enrolled in the program in over 8,400 academies in 134 countries around the world.
"The Andaman & Nicobar Administration is one of the many forward looking state / UT governments in India who have recognised the importance of Internet and networking technologies. Cisco Systems is privileged to work with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to provide opportunities for students in the state to realise their potential on the global platform," said Rajeev Chopra, Vice President, India and SAARC Region, Cisco Systems.
He further added: "This underlines Cisco's support for the government's objective of developing the local Internet and networking industry to the same world-class standards achieved by the software industry."
"The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has always been committed to making high quality technical education available in the state, and this partnership with Cisco will help institutions in Andaman & Nicobar Islands build up a pool of talents equipped with critical skills in Information Technology," said Shri. Prakash Kumar, Secretary, Information Technology, Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
Established in October 1997, the Networking Academy program is an e-learning model that delivers Web-based educational content, online testing, student performance tracking, hands-on labs, and instructor training and support.
With a curriculum developed by education and networking experts, the Networking Academy program is offered at technical schools, colleges and universities, community-based organizations, and other educational programs around the world. It demonstrates a highly successful alliance among Cisco Systems, educators, governments, leading technology companies, and non-profit organizations as it prepares graduates for the demands and opportunities of the New Internet Economy.
About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco news and information are available at www.cisco.com.
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