MicroUniv to get into online training

MicroUniv, an IT training company and part of the Bangalore-based Microland

Group, is working on building a major eLearning institution which is to be

launched by mid-2001. The new online project would offer courses in the area of

Internet security, data management, data structure and select tools, besides

some soft-skill courses. "To begin with, we would offer two major programs,

one for the beginners in IT and the other for those who wish to upgrade their

career in IT, on the Internet," said Naresh Bala, President, MicroUniv.

Presently, the company is offering IT courses in the traditional method across

India.

A week last, MicroUniv inaugurated three new educational centers in the city,

through franchisee, for offering its MCIP (MicroUniv Certified Internet

Professional) program. It also offers Microsoft, Lotus and Cisco certified

programs for the corporate clients. "Within a couple of months, MicroUniv

would be spun-off as a separate entity to attract huge investments and bring

more focus into the business," said Bala.

"The company has already invested $ 2 million in this new project and

further investment, more than $ 4 million, will be pumped in for developing

course material, content acquisition, infrastructure and building eLearning

network etc," he said. MicroUniv plans to open 200 support centers, across

the country, in the next three years, for its eLearning program project.

MicroUniv is in the process of developing two course packages, a 700-hour

pack for software professionals to upgrade their skill sets and 150-hour program

for the job seekers in IT field. "Unlike other educational portals and Net

varsities, we offer in-depth programs which are rich in content and value, and

provide continued support and guidance to the course takers," he stated.

The company is constituting a panel of external consultants who are prominent in

the education field, to support in curriculum development and course deliverance