Novell Education Reaches 10,000th CNE In Europe

Press Release

'Most Recognized Certification' Hits Record Mark in EMEA Region

-- March 9th, 1995--CeBIT Fair, EUROPE--With more than 50,000 Certified Novell Engineers (CNEs) worldwide, Europe contributes to the rapid growth of Novell Education by reaching the 10,000 CNE mark in the EMEA region. Consisting of Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the EMEA region now includes more than 50 countries.

The strong growth rate of CNEs in EMEA in attributed to the recognition of CNE status in the European market. Currently, there are even more CNEs 'in progress' than certified CNEs. In the United Kingdom there are 4,000 CNEs in training and 3,700 in Germany. At this rate, Novell Education anticipates a 60-80 percent growth increase per year.

GROWTH DRIVERS

Several "drivers" have stimulated the growth margin in the European region. According to Norman Buckberry, Novell's Regional Education Director in Europe, the recognition of a CNE's value in the market and the influence of that certification has instigated growth. "Many employers will only hire CNEs," said Buckberry. "CNE growth has also begun to influence smaller countries such as The Netherlands, which now extends well over the 700 mark in certified education participants."

EXTENDED REGIONS

According to Jackie Goehl, Novell's Market Development Manager for Certification in Europe, a firm education establishment has been recognized in Eastern Europe, as well as Western Europe. "The CNE certification is extremely popular with the technically oriented audience in this Eastern region," said Goehl. "With the multi-lingual aspect available through approximately 300 Novell Authorized Education Centers (NAECs) in this area, education programs are taught in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese."

The largest contributors of countries with CNEs include the United Kingdom with 2,280, Germany with 2,260, and France, just recently reaching the 1,000th mark with 1,025 CNEs.

First quarter earnings of Novell products credited Europe with a significant portion of its growth. "The European market accounts for 28 percent of Novell business," said Buckberry. "Having such a strong force of CNEs worldwide is helping to drive the global interest toward Novell's products and programs."

CERTIFICATION MONTH

Throughout the month of March, not only is Novell recognizing the 10,000th CNE in the European region, but also honoring the 50,000th CNE worldwide, also hailing from Europe. Honored as the 50,000th education candidate to certify in the world, CNE Jan Schipper is one of 23 CNEs at TekServ, a support and service organization in Houten, The Netherlands. A subsidiary of the globally recognized MAI Europe, a large European VAR, TekServ is also a conglomerate of triple P, a worldwide service and training organization.

A very strong European presence is indicated by other CNEs certifying close to the 50,000th mark. The 49,999th is from Trinidad/Tobago, the 49,998th from Germany, the 50,001st from Australia, and the 50,002nd from France.

CNE REQUIREMENTS DEFINED

A CNE has demonstrated knowledge in a broad curriculum of study providing exposure to a range of networking and support concepts. CNEs add value to their organizations by performing installation, technical support, troubleshooting and upgrade services. To earn CNE certification, candidates must demonstrate mastery of networking concepts by passing seven proficiency tests.

NOVELL EDUCATION PERSPECTIVE

Novell Education's mission is to drive global pervasive computing through quality education programs. Since 1987, Novell has championed a leveraged model of reaching student customers, wherein NAECs around the globe provide instructor-led training and self-study options for student customers. In 1995, Novell's 1,300 NAECs and Novell Education Academic Partners (NEAPs) will teach three quarters of a million student customers.

In addition to pioneering the leveraged education model, Novell Education also pioneered certification in the information technology area with its industry-leading programs. CNEs are the global standard for servicing and supporting networking; CNAs are the global standard for administering networking and network applications; and CNIs are the global standard for teaching networking and network applications. Currently, there are more than 50,000-plus CNEs, as well as 80,000 CNEs "in progress." There are 4,000-plus ECNEs, more than 40,000 CNAs and nearly 3,000 CNIs.