Global Knowledge Leads International Microsoft Education Market.

Increases Global Footprint Through Newly-Acquired Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for Learning Solutions Status In North America 

CARY, N.C. -- Global Knowledge, the world's largest privately held provider of training and enterprise learning services for information technology (IT) and management professionals, announced today that it is now a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for Learning Solutions (CPLS) in North America, an important step in the strategic plan to broaden its Microsoft education business and provide an enterprise-class portfolio of learning solutions to customers and Microsoft channel partners in all geographies.

"We are committed to delivering value to Microsoft by bringing training and learning solutions in a wide range of cutting-edge technologies to Microsoft's global customer base and channel partners," said Joseph W. Cece, Chief Executive Officer and President of Global Knowledge. "Our customers value the quality of our training, the real-world experience of our instructors, our broad geographic reach, and the excellence of our training environments. As a Gold CPLS, we will continue to deliver this value to Microsoft customers and channel partners worldwide."

The company's newly-acquired status as a Gold CPLS in North America is an extension of the position already held by its EMEA operations, which offers Microsoft accredited training in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK, and is a principal component in its drive to become the world's largest Microsoft training provider.

"Global Knowledge has a unique and in-depth understanding of what customers need in terms of Microsoft training requirements that help them satisfy their learning strategies and achieve their strategic business goals," said Lutz Ziob, General Manager of Microsoft Learning. "Their international reach and proven trainer talent-base ensures us that we have found a CPLS Partner that can provide new and scalable opportunities to our valued customers."

Global Knowledge offers a broad range of Microsoft training and Microsoft certifications in multiple technologies, including MCSA, MCSE, Windows Vista, Exchange Server, SQL, and Security, delivered through instructor-led classroom and virtual classroom courses, and self-paced e-learning curriculum. The company also provides extensive instructional design capabilities and private, instructor-led training solutions customized to meet specific requirements and delivered at any location convenient to the customer.

The company recently received the Readers' Choice award for Best Windows Certification-based Boot Camp from Redmond magazine, the independent voice of the Microsoft community. It was the fourth time the company received honors from Redmond readers in as many years.

About Global Knowledge

Global Knowledge is the largest privately held provider of training and enterprise learning services for information technology (IT) and management professionals. The company offers a broad array of hands-on IT, project management, professional skills, and business process training featuring proprietary core and custom curriculum, as well as content from leading companies, including Cisco, Microsoft, Nortel, and Red Hat. Delivered in classrooms, at private facilities, or over the Internet, Global Knowledge has helped Fortune 500 companies, organizations, and government agencies leverage learning to turn knowledge into productivity for employees, customers, and channel partners. Founded in 1995, Global Knowledge employs more than 1,100 people worldwide and is headquartered in Cary, N.C. The company is owned by New York-based investment firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson, and Stowe. For more information visit www.globalknowledge.com.