CNET STARTS FEE-BASED ONLINE IT TRAINING SERVICE.

In related news, CNET Networks (San Francisco, CA) has launched Smart- Planet (smartplanet.com), a fee-based online technology learning and certification training service targeting information technology (IT) and business professionals.

Developed in cooperation with Elemenet K (Rochester, NY), the new site will be integrated throughout CNET's network of Web sites. Users can choose from more than 600 self-study and instructor-led courses covering multiple levels of expertise over a range of technology-related topics. Course categories include Web design, programming languages and software applications, as well as courses that are designed to enhance desktop user proficiency in such programs as Microsoft Office. The service will also include training certification for Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle, Linus and Java.

Element K president Terry Nulty said the arrangement with CNET is "ideal- particularly given CNET's recognized leadership in information and commerce services for the technology industry and Element K's heritage in online IT training." CNET Networks attracts IT professionals through its Web sites, including ZDNet, CNET and TechRepublic. The company said its Web sites reach 70% of all IS/IT professionals in MIS departments that use the Internet at work. Element K offers hundreds of online courses on a wide range of IT, business and computing topics.