Novell increases focus for SUSE Linux training in Sri Lanka

Novell this week announced that it is increasing its focus for SUSE Linux training and certification in Sri Lanka which will provide students and IT professionals with an edge that will not only increase their employment prospects around ‘Administration and Advanced administrative skills in SUSE Linux’ but place them at the forefront of the ICT industry.

Furthermore, Novell’s certification courses have been included in the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) vendor certification programme, the single apex body involved in ICT policy and direction in Sri Lanka and it is expected that this will help in addressing the national initiatives to create a qualified and certified workforce for the ICT industry in Sri Lanka.

One of the main constraints limiting the growth of the local IT industry in Sri Lanka has been the lack of a qualified workforce. A committee, comprising key ICT industry representatives, along with the ICTA identified some key entry level certifications that will have a significant impact in overcoming this issue.

Novell’s Certi-fication programmes have been accredited as a ‘selected industry certification’ amongst other certifications such as Microsoft Certifications, Java Certifications, CISCO Certifications, Oracle Certifications and Red Hat Certifications. Novell has partnered with leading training organisations such as Net Assist International, Imperial Institute of Higher Education and IDM Computer Studies (Pvt.) Ltd. to implement SUSE Linux Certifications in Sri Lanka.

“We consistently focus on training as it forms the basic tenet of a growing technology company such as Novell. We are happy to join hands with such premiere training partners and we are committed to empowering them further to cater to the growing demands of the industry in Sri Lanka,” said Sandeep Menon, Country Head, Novell India.

A survey conducted by the by the Linux Foundation earlier this year indicated that the adoption of Linux is overtaking Windows enterprise level at quite a rapid ratio. About 80% of the respondents mentioned that they would plan to add more Linux to their business’ infrastructure within the next five years, while only 21% would plan to add additional Microsoft servers.

With Linux adoption on the rise, there will be an increased demand for Linux professionals. Novell’s globally recognised and industry-leading certification will open a host of opportunities for professionals seeking to become SUSE Linux experts. The training modules have been meticulously designed, keeping in mind the markets’ requirement for superior candidates who are up to date on current skills and trends in Linux-based technologies.

A key focus in Novell SUSE Linux training programmes will be the training/certification of trainers who will be imparting such technical education. This means the deployment of Certified Novell Instructor’s (CNI) which is the world’s most renowned technical instructor certification and ensures that Novell official curriculum is taught by the best technical trainers in the industry. With such an important role to play in the future of Sri Lanka’s ICT workforce, CNIs must comply with the Instructor Course Authorisation requirements before they are certified and authorised to deliver a Novell Course.

“The training partner companies are accomplished in ‘training & development’, and have been shortlisted based on their experience in Linux-based certification programs.

The trainers themselves require mandatory completion of both levels of SUSE Linux certification mainly, NCLA and NCLP before they are authorised to undertake any training programs. Now with the latest SUSE Linux certification programs from Novell, they become a part of an elite club of exclusive choices in Linux training,” added Menon.

Novell recently held the Novell Training Academy Meet in 2010, a specialised training program exclusively developed for Novell’s partners to assist them in selling, distributing and supporting Novell’s suite of enterprise IT solutions.

This was attended by over 200 representatives from India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

“This certification/programme will help the employer to distinguish between a Linux professional and a Linux person. Novell in the Linux space has gained momentum in Sri Lanka and there is a demand for skilled resources. Since, as a country we are focusing and investing more on ICT, It is quite fortunate to have such programme/certification in the country.

Also, it gives more credibility and recognition to the programme/certification,” said Janaka Wickremasinghe, Certified Novell Instructor.