Ascolta Announces Online Cisco Certification Training Towards BS Degree at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Business Wire, March 28, 2001

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2001

Ascolta, the leading Cisco Systems Learning Solutions Partner, has joined with Saint Mary's University of Minnesota to offer the best in online Cisco Certification Training with the added benefit of accredited college credits.

Recognized by Cisco Systems as the Most Outstanding Learning Solutions Partner for the second consecutive year, Ascolta brings proven leadership in instruction to this partnership.

It is now possible to take online Cisco Certification classes toward a bachelor's degree in applied information technology through an accredited university and from the best Cisco Systems training partner. "We're excited about being one of the partners on the leading edge of this venture," said Irene Kinoshita, CEO of Ascolta. "This unprecedented application enables students to take classes recommended for CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE certifications as well as apply towards a bachelor of science degree in applied information technology."

The interactive format called Ascolta LIVE! enables students to become participants in a virtual classroom complete with live instructor and other students in various locations including the Minnesota classroom at Saint Mary's. "We love this format! It's the best way to do distance learning. The instructor was outstanding!" commented one student.

Jeff Clarke, program manager was the visionary force behind this partnership at Saint Mary's University. "I am so excited that this program we began two years ago has finally come to fruition, enabling us to provide quality instruction to our students in an area of such high demand." Ascolta and Saint Mary's University are proud to be leaders in the forefront of technical education as the need for highly trained networking experts increases daily.

About Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Saint Mary's University, a Catholic institution founded in Winona, Minn. in 1912, carries out its educational mission on the Winona Campus, as well as at centers and campuses throughout the world. The Twin Cities Campus primarily serves adult learners from the metropolitan area and Greater Minnesota, offering a variety of degree and certificate programs. For more information call 612/874-9877, or visit the Web site at www.smumn.edu.

About Ascolta Training Company

As a Cisco authorized learning solutions partner, Ascolta offers professional certification and re-certification internetworking training programs. Ascolta is the leading global provider of technical education and services focused on delivering quality IT education when, where and how its customers want to learn. For more information about Ascolta, call 949/477-2000, or visit the Web site at www.ascolta.com.