Cisco Announces Partner E-Learning Connection; New Website Gives Cisco Channel Partners Training Online and On Demand.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 24, 2000

Cisco Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CSCO), today announced the availability of online training for Cisco channel partners via the Cisco Partner E-Learning Connection.

The Partner E-Learning Connection will be the primary learning source worldwide for Cisco channel partners, better enabling them to sell and support Cisco Internet technology solutions. The first phase of the site will offer courses for certification training, specialization training, and sales training, as well as online services, relevant reference materials, and links to additional information.

"To be successful and stay competitive in today's rapidly changing technology landscape, it is critical that our employees continually build upon their knowledge and expertise," said John Freres, President of N2N Solutions, Inc.

"It is very costly to send our best and brightest people to multiple-day off-site training sessions. The Cisco Partner E-Learning Connection gives us the training we need, online to fit our schedule."

Cisco has been a strong advocate of the benefits of e-learning, an initiative the company has also put into practice in internal sales training, and externally with The Cisco Networking Academy Program. "There are two equalizers in life: the Internet and education," says John Chambers, Cisco President and CEO.

"The governments and companies that understand this will survive in the Internet economy; those that do not, will get left behind. E-learning is helping Cisco empower and make employees accountable for taking advantage of learning opportunities. I truly believe that e-learning will emerge as the next big application, determining a company's ability to survive and compete."

The purpose of the site is to increase the development and technical capabilities of Cisco channel partners. "It takes time away from other important things to go out and look for the training my people need," said Mike French, President of Network Architechs, Inc. "With the Partner E-Learning Connection, Cisco is bringing the training to us. Training which enables us to provide our customers with a higher value."

Cisco Announces Three New E-Learning Courses

Cisco has also announced three new e-learning course offerings today, which will be available on the Partner E-Learning Connection. Two of the new courses -- BCMSN E-Learning Edition and BCRAN E-Learning Edition -- provide advanced instruction in multilayer switching and remote access in preparation for professional-level certification.

The third new product -- DCN E-Learning Edition -- is designed to prepare busy professionals for CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate) certification.

These three new courses, in addition to ICNDe and CCNA Essentials (announced in December, 1999) continue to expand Cisco's e-learning offerings in the Cisco Career Certifications program. Combined with value-added services from Cisco Learning Partners, such as on-line mentoring, they are the core of a complete e-learning solution and an example of the robust training available on the Partner E-Learning Connection.

About The Cisco Partner E-Learning Connection

The Cisco Partner E-Learning Connection leverages the power of the Internet to provide channel partners with flexible, Web-based knowledge and learning when and where they need it. The purpose of the site is to increase the development and technical capabilities of Cisco channel partners, empowering them with the knowledge and skills they need to keep pace with today's changing market.

The first phase of the Cisco Partner E-Learning Connection will include the three new courses, as well as other training offerings already available from Cisco. As a learning environment, the Cisco Partner E- Learning Connection remembers users and tracks their learning progress. The site also delivers productivity tools, such as learning maps to help partners quickly plan a curriculum for certification.

Even in the first phase of the Cisco Partner E-Learning Connection, a variety of content will be available in different formats. In addition to interactive Web-based courses, the site will provide video-on-demand programs, virtual labs, access to online mentoring, and learning references and training resources.

The Cisco Partner E-Learning Connection is available to all Cisco channel partners and their employees worldwide. Partners can go to www.cisco.com, and click on Login to gain access to the Partner E-Learning Connection.

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems (Nasdaq:CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco news and information are available at http://www.cisco.com.

Note to Editors: Cisco, Cisco Systems and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship.