AG Group, Inc. Offers T.E.N. Instructional Program for CNX Certification New Technology, Engineering & Networking Education Workshop Series.

Business Editors, Technology Writers

WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 2000

AG Group, Inc., a leading provider of accessible, affordable network management tools and training partner Optimized Engineering Corporation, today announced the immediate availability of T.E.N., a new, comprehensive instructional program geared specifically to the Network Management Professional. The Technology, Engineering and Networking in-depth video training series delivers the materials and content required to achieve network analysis expert status and to successfully prepare for the industry-standard CNX (Certified Network Expert) 2000 certification sponsored by leading network management vendors including AG Group, OEC, Sniffer Technologies, Agilent and others.

"The need for IT departments to optimize performance of their increasingly complex, high-speed networking infrastructures has created a significant demand for qualified personnel," states Janice Spampinato, VP, Sales and Marketing, AG Group, Inc. "The new T.E.N. Program not only offers an excellent foundation for individuals pursuing CNX 2000 certification but also meets the demand to provide relevant instructional content for evolving IT training organizations."

Ricki Dougherty, Training Manager for AG Group, further adds, "Education, training and certification entitlements are becoming key factors in attracting and retaining IT talent. Our goal with this comprehensive program is to give a Training, Human Resource or IT Manager the means of providing a variety of convenient and effective methods for delivering in-depth instruction in a cost-and time-effective manner to their IT staff."

Besides delivering valuable network and protocol instruction, T.E.N. offers a clear path to pursuing and achieving CNX certification. CNX is an industry-standard certification program that assesses IT professionals' knowledge and expertise in network protocol analysis to ensure networking competency and maximum uptime. A consortium of vendors has created exams that certify networking professionals as experts in protocol analysis technology and internal protocol operations.

T.E.N. Program Information

The T.E.N. program, rendered on video in conjunction with animated slide presentations and an extensive Session Workbook, presents the key engineering concepts that underlie the use and interpretation of protocol analysis tools. The training has a 14-Module format and is divided into five sections that cover Core Networking Technology, Ethernet Engineering, IP Networking, Network Analysis and LAN/WAN Special Topics.

Each section solidifies the participant's understanding of networking concepts and acts as a preliminary test for the CNX 2000 certification exams. Each of the five series begins with a "Read To Understand" section containing assignments designed to give a solid technology basis for the material being discussed. This is followed by an opening essay and video instruction. At the end of each section, practice exercises are provided, and the participant's knowledge is tested through a series of questions.

T.E.N. Program Pricing

Pricing for the T.E.N. Workshop Series is $2,500. AG Maintenance Owners can purchase the series for $2,400. Purchased separately, the components of the Remote Education Workshop Series are a $2,995 value.

The price includes a single student license for the video series in a 5-volume library. Each volume contains a session workbook and accompanying remote education video presentation. The workbook includes reading assignments (building insight exercises) and is used in conjunction with the video presentation.

Additional discounts are offered for multiple-student licenses. To order the Video Series, mailto:[e-mail]. For more information about the T.E.N. program, please visit http://www.aggroup.com/training/ten/. For information about CNX 2000 certification, visit http://www.mycnx2000.com.

About Optimized Engineering Corporation

Optimized Engineering Corporation brings protocol analysis expertise to a wide variety of computer network consulting, training, and software development activities. By applying creative solutions to challenging problems, OEC delivers increased value and measurable improvements to customers and their networks. For more information, visit http://www.optimized.com/.

About AG Group, Inc.

AG Group, Inc. specializes in the development of powerful and affordable software-based tools to troubleshoot, optimize and maintain mixed-platform, multi-protocol network environments. Our goal of bringing superior technology, accessibility, value and flexibility to the ever-expanding realm of network management incorporates software, service and training products.

Currently, AG Group offerings include award-winning network and protocol analyzers EtherPeek and TokenPeek, LAN/WAN and Internet traffic monitors WatchPoint and Skyline/Satellite, TCP/IP test utilities, as well as network management and protocol-specific training classes. Large enterprise customers that have standardized on AG Group software or have added AG Product/Packet Analysis training to their class roster include Lucent Netcare Professional services, Cisco International and Motorola University.

For more information on AG Group solutions and services, please visit AG Group's web site at or mailto:[e-mail].

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