Ascolta Achieves Distinguished Architectural Specializations in Cisco’s Evolving Learning Partner Program

Irvine, CA and San Jose, CA- August 8, 2011 - Cisco is proud to announce Ascolta as the first Cisco Authorized Learning Partner to achieve the Advanced Collaboration Architecture Specialization and Borderless Networks Architecture Specialization. Ascolta, a leading provider of authorized Cisco training and learning services, is the earliest adopter in their theatre of a global network of more than 450 Learning Partners to achieve these designations.

As Cisco evolves its products and services to map to specialized architectures, customers and partners are aligning their capabilities with new learning partner channel tracks that will position their skills to thrive in Cisco’s new architectural framework.

Ascolta’s Collaboration and Borderless Networks Specializations strategically aligns with Cisco to help Channel Partners and Customers develop relevant architectural practices and skills critical for their success. By taking an architectural approach to networking, channel partners can become more relevant to customers, grow more profitably and differentiate themselves from the competition.

With a global network of Cisco certified engineers in support of customers and channel partners success, Cisco Authorized Learning Partners are a critical component for the growth and professional development of those engineers. With training through Authorized Learning Partners like Ascolta, partners and customers can be confident that they’re receiving the latest access to learning products and instructors with the highest qualification levels, skills, and capabilities.

"As Cisco evolves their architectural approach, the increasing demand for proficient channel partners and engineers will include the support of Cisco authorized training to help in the success of their professional growth and development," commented Kevin Marz, Vice President of Sales, Ascolta.

The Collaboration specialization recognizes partners for their knowledge in selling, designing, installing, and supporting the Collaboration Architecture. Technologies within the Collaboration suite include Digital Media, TelePresence, Unified Communications, and Webex.

The Borderless Networks Architecture Specialization recognizes partners for their knowledge in selling, designing, installing, and supporting the Borderless Network Architecture. Technologies include Network Management, Routing, Switching, Security, Wireless, and WAN Optimization.

Cisco, a multinational corporation, is a leader in networking and also specializes in communications technology. Cisco recently evolved its Learning Partner Program to deliver enhanced architectural training to its network of channel partners and customers. The Learning Partner Program provides training courses, seminars, webinars, and other events for all qualified partners. As a part of the program, other architectural specializations include Borderless Networks and Data Center.

To help accelerate the partner and customer adoption of the new architectural approach, the first 500 Cisco Channel partners who complete the recertification process by December 31st, 2011 can receive up to $5,000 Cisco Learning Credits with learning partners. Cisco has also established a transition period of 16 to 28 months until July 2013 for existing Cisco Certified Partners to ensure a smooth certification process.

About Ascolta
Founded in 1987, Ascolta is recognized as a leader in technical training, empowering network professionals through education, information and community. As a Cisco Learning Solutions Partner, Ascolta offers instructor-led, e-learning, and custom learning solutions. Prior to this year's award, Ascolta has been named Training Partner of the Year for two consecutive years. Headquartered in Irvine, California, Ascolta has several other locations throughout the US. For more information, call (800) 297-4294 or visit www.ascolta.com to find out more about Ascolta and its learning products and services.

About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.