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Novell and Netscape Plan to Roll Out Training and Certification Programs New program endorsed by International Webmaster Association, NetObjects and Sun; Developers, System Integrators, Value Added Resellers, Web Designers, Web Architects to Benefit from New Certifications PUERTO RICO, Edge 97 -- June 9, 1997 -- Novell, Inc., the leader in information technology (IT) training and certification, and Netscape Communications Corporation, a leading provider of Internet software, today announced that they plan to create the industry's first multi-vendor Internet training and certification program. As part of this plan, certifications are expected to be designed to meet the education needs of Internet professionals ranging from Webmasters and developers to systems integration specialists and value added resellers. In June 1996, Novell® introduced the industry's first Internet certification, Novell Certified Internet Professional. This certification program initially focused on the skills required to administer a Web site. In March 1997, the program was expanded to include a Web Designer track. Today the multi-tiered Certified Internet Professional certification includes five tracks which provide skills training across platforms in multi-vendor environments, and allows for customization of training curriculum to match the student's network system environment. These tracks include: Internet Business Strategist, Web Designer, Web Developer, Intranet Manager and Internet Architect. Novell and Netscape® plan to work together to enhance these designations and provide additional Internet skills training. The jointly sponsored Internet programs are scheduled for release in late summer 1997. The courses will include training on products and technologies from Novell, Netscape, NetObjects, Sun and other vendors. "By combining Netscape's expertise in Internet technologies with Novell's expertise in training, we expect to provide first-class training and certification in a high-demand sector," said Jeff Vasek, director of education for Netscape. "Netscape is deeply committed to helping our channel, our customers and our developers to deploy our products rapidly and effectively, in particular in the enterprise market. We expect this program to strengthen our ability to do that on a worldwide basis." An industry study by Sentry Research notes that four out of six large corporations cannot find enough staff, well-trained in Internet access and security (Sentry Research, 1996). "Novell believes this trend will continue and has worked in 'Internet time' to meet the market demand for skilled Internet professionals," said Bob Puissant, vice president and general manager for Novell Education. "Through extensive research we have defined the Internet training category and have received validation through independent Webmaster organizations. We have created new Internet-related certifications and expanded existing programs to include Internet skill training for each distinct Internet job function," said Puissant. "In addition we have redesigned how our IT course material is presented and distributed to the fast-growing group of non-IT professionals." Novell's current certifications are seen as the global standard for hiring, promoting and compensating IT professionals, giving organizations the assurance that the certified employee or contractor is qualified for the job. Skills presented in the Certified Internet Professional program are transferable across the IT industry. Clients learn to deploy Internet technology and Web sites across heterogeneous platforms, an essential skills in today's multi-platform environment. Plans call for participants to be able to begin certification in any of the defined tracks within the Certified Internet Professional program at Novell Authorized Education Centers worldwide. Additional courses are in development and are scheduled to be ready in late summer 1997. For details about specific curricula within Internet certification by Novell, visit http://www.netboss.com. "The anticipated launch of this program is perfectly timed to help accelerate the understanding and deployment of Netscape Communicator client software and the latest version of Netscape SuiteSpot, both available this week," added Vasek. "Designed to meet a range of enterprise needs for messaging, groupware and Intranet applications, these client and server products are ideal tools for this target audience to work with in designing and implementing intranets and extranets."As part of the planned training and certification program, Netscape and Novell expect to work together to help define job task analyses. Seen as the core of a training program, job task analyses provide a standard method of ensuring that programs cover both the information and skill set needed for a particular task. Both companies plan to publish objectives based on these analyses widely, enabling partners and companies in the Internet industry to easily build training programs based on them. Netscape intends to ensure that its expertise and knowledge of Internet, intranet and extranet technologies are reflected in the program, included in training materials available to participants. The International Webmaster Association (IWA) has enthusiastically endorsed this approach to Internet training, something the association has never done before. "The IWA has researched and identified the various job functions that a Webmaster must perform, and this multi-tiered approach to Internet training is right on target," said Richard Brinegar, executive director, International Webmasters Association. "IWA will direct its members to the Certified Internet Professional program as a resource for receiving qualified Webmaster education which can be applied toward IWA's Senior Member designation." Founded in 1983, Novell (NASDAQ: NOVL) is the world's leading provider of network software. The company offers a wide range of network solutions for distributed network, Internet, Intranet and small- business markets. Novell Education and technical support programs are the most comprehensive in the network computing industry. Information about Novell's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at http://www.novell.com. Netscape Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:NSCP) is a leading provider of open software for linking people and information over enterprise networks and the Internet. The company offers a full line of clients, servers, development tools and commercial applications to create a complete platform for next- generation, live on-line applications. Netscape Communications Corporation in based in Mountain View, California. Novell, NetWare and IntranetWare are registered trademarks. CNA, Certified Novell Administrator, CNE, IntranetWare CNE, Master CNE, CNI, Certified Novell Instructor, Novell Certified Internet Professional, NAEC, Novell Authorized Education Center, NEAP and Novell Education Academic Partner are registered service marks, service marks or trademarks of Novell, Inc., in the United States and other countries. Netscape and Netscape Navigator are registered trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation in the United States and other countries. Netscape's logos and Netscape product and service names are also trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation, which may be registered in other countries. Other product and brand names are trademarks of their respective owners.
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