SAN JOSE Calif., March 26, 2002 - Cisco Systems, Inc.. announced today the availability of the Cisco Content Networking Specialist, the latest focused certification to be offered as part of the Cisco Career Certifications program. Cisco designed the new certification to address the increasing market demand for network professionals who can demonstrate significant skills and knowledge in content edge delivery, content distribution and management, content switching, content routing and intelligent network services.

As organizations move to using technology to enhance productivity with e-learning and workforce optimization applications, they need networks that can effectively manage increased demand. Cisco content networking solutions allow organizations to optimize their networks for high-demand applications such as broadcast media, streaming audio, and multimedia presentation. The Cisco Content Networking Specialist certification validates the skills individuals need to manage, install, and configure networks with content networking technologies.

"The new Cisco Content Networking Specialist certification extends the long-term commitment Cisco has to help build and validate the skills and knowledge in high demand technology areas," said Don Field, senior manager of certifications, Internet Learning Solutions Group, Cisco Systems. "Our new Content Networking Specialist certification assures that enterprises will be able to deploy a new generation of scaleable, Web-based, content-rich e-business solutions such as e-learning, e-communications, content acceleration and web optimization, as well as a host of e-transaction and e-commerce solutions by leveraging individuals who have demonstrated skills in content networking technology."

The new certification will also be incorporated into the Content Networking Partner Specialization. Individuals will meet the field engineer and the system engineer role requirements when achieving this focused certification accompanied by the required prerequisite career certification specified within the Content Networking Specialization.

Training and Exams

Recommended training to prepare for the Cisco Content Networking Specialist exams is only available through authorized Cisco Learning Partners. Individuals are required to have a valid CCIP^TM or a valid CCNP. certification to become a Cisco Content Networking Specialist. Cisco Learning Partners offer recommended training in multiple formats, including instructor-led and e-learning.

Recommended courses include Building Cisco Content Networking Solutions (CCIP CN elective course), Content Service Switching Operations and Configuration (CSSOC), Enterprise Content Distribution Networking Operations and Configuration (ECDNOC), and Content Engine Caching Operations and Configuration (CECOC). Required exams are Building Cisco Content Networking Solutions (CCIP CN elective exam) and the Cisco Content Networking Specialist exam v1.1-9E0-600.

Authorized Cisco Learning Partners instructors are certified by Cisco to provide the recommended courses in preparation for the required exams. Virtual University Enterprises (VUE) and Prometric offer Cisco certification exams at locations worldwide.

For more information, visit www.cisco.com/go/training.