SAN JOSE, Calif., November 5, 2002 - Cisco Systems, Inc. today launched the Cisco Learning Credit Program, which enables customers to simultaneously purchase necessary training and Cisco hardware, software or services. The Learning Credit Program streamlines the administrative process by allowing customers to manage a single budget and purchase order as well as reduce expense reimbursements.

As part of the program, authorized Cisco Learning Partners work with customers to develop a tailored training program prior to procuring learning credits. After designing a training program and obtaining Cisco Learning Credits, customers can redeem the credits at participating worldwide Cisco Learning Partner locations for Cisco instructor-led training courses, online courses, live labs and remote labs.

"The Cisco Learning Credit Program offers an innovative and unique approach to simplifying the training procurement process for customers in our education program," said Terry Hagerty, vice president and general manager of Tech Data Enterprise. "As a Cisco Authorized Learning Partner, Tech Data Education will help customers more effectively identify their network training needs no matter how complex, develop a plan to meet them, and enable them to pre-pay, making it extremely easy to add training to their overall Cisco purchase."

Cisco Learning Credits are managed in an online database that tracks transactions, validates redemptions and sends monthly statements. A Web-based management tool, available 24 hours a day, lets customers view credit balances, review account transactions, generate reports and monitor courses taken by individuals and departments.

"The successful deployment of new networking technologies demands a workforce with current skills," said Tom Kelly, vice president, Internet Learning Solutions Group, Cisco Systems. "Now, procuring the required training doesn't need to be an afterthought to the technology purchase. With the Cisco Learning Credit Program, organizations can define their networking and training needs concurrently and prepay for high quality training from authorized Cisco Learning Partners."

Pricing and Availability

Cisco Learning Credits are ordered along with a hardware purchase or as a stand-alone item for an integrated network solution. Each Learning Credit pays for $100US of training from a participating Cisco Learning Partner. Valid for one year, credits are sold in packs of 100, 500 or 1,500, and may be redeemed individually.

Cisco Learning Partners are the only authorized providers of Cisco training content. They must meet stringent guidelines for authorization and their instructors must pass rigorous exams to become certified Cisco instructors. For more information about the Learning Credit Program, visit: www.cisco.com/go/learningcredits.