Cisco Systems signs education 'MoU' with Uttaranchal government 

Cisco Systems recently signed a MoU with the state government of Uttaranchal,
to setup Networking Academies in the newly created state. As per the MoU, Cisco
in partnership with the Govt of Uttaranchal will setup a Regional Academy (RA)
and five Local Academies (LAs) in the State.

College of Engineering, Pantnagar will be designated as a Regional Networking
Academy and will receive networking equipment, comprehensive training, the
Networking Academy curriculum, and technical support from Cisco Systems. The
Regional Academy will in turn align with it and setup five Local Networking
Academies in Almora and Nainital Campuses of Kumaon University, Engineering
College Dwarahat, Srinagar Campus of Garhwal University and College Of
Engineering, Pauri. The local networking Academies shall be funded by the State
Government. To help maintain the highest quality of training and education at
these institutions and other Networking Academies around India, Cisco will
implement the Cisco Networking Academy Quality Assurance Plan.

"Uttaranchal houses some of India's finest educational institutions.
With this MoU the government proposes to further strengthen the state's
professional educational offerings to its citizens and to make the education
provided at its institution more market oriented, thereby increasing the
employability of the students," said Amarendra Sinha, Secretary IT and
Planning. He added, "With the advent of the Cisco Networking Academy
Program, the students of Uttaranchal will have yet another avenue for technical
and professional excellence".

"This MoU gets us another step closer to fulfilling John Chambers,
President and CEO, Cisco Systems' commitment of establishing a Networking
Academy in every state and union territory in India. Cisco is proud to partner
with the State Government of Uttaranchal in launching an initiative that will
not only bring to the state world-class networking education but also help the
local Internet and networking Industry attain the same standards as those
achieved internationally," said Rajeev Chopra, VP (Marketing), Cisco
Systems, India and SAARC.

The Cisco Networking Academy Program focuses on teaching students how to
design, build, and maintain computer networks. The program prepares students for
the 21st Century workplace, while serving as a valuable model for e-learning.

Worldwide Cisco has 9,144 Networking Academies and more than 2,62,000
students. There are currently 67 Networking Academies across 14 States in India.

Established in October 1997, the Networking Academy program is an e-learning
model that delivers Web-based educational content, online testing, student
performance tracking, hands-on labs, and instructor training and support. With a
curriculum developed by education and networking experts, the Networking Academy
program is offered at technical schools, colleges and universities,
community-based organizations, and other educational programs around the world.
It demonstrates a highly successful alliance among Cisco Systems, educators,
governments, leading technology companies, and non-profit organizations as it
prepares graduates for the demands and opportunities of the new Internet
economy.

DQW News Bureau