Nov. 2, 2009 (Business Wire) -- Ciena^® Corporation (NASDAQ:CIEN), the network specialist, today announced the industry’s first Carrier Ethernet Certification Program focused solely on Carrier Ethernet technology as opposed to specific vendors or products. Carrier Ethernet is the first of multiple training and certification programs that will be offered by Ciena Learning Solutions, the company’s new group focused on the technology certification and continuing education market. Courses are offered in traditional classrooms, online and on-site at customer locations through an international network of partner educational institutions.

Ciena Learning Solutions has established multiple partnerships to expand the reach of its technology certification program. Global Corporate College (GCC) is an association of more than 100 colleges and universities worldwide that has partnered with Ciena to offer the new Carrier Ethernet Certification Program in select markets through its member schools. Through the affiliation with GCC, member schools get access to standardized, vendor-independent courses on advanced Carrier Ethernet technologies to address the growing market demand for knowledgeable professionals to design, build and manage next generation networks. In addition, IEEE, the world’s leading professional association for the advancement of technology, has named Ciena Learning Solutions an IEEE Education Partner, an important resource for IEEE members. Ciena Learning Solutions partnered with NIIT, a leading global talent development organization, to develop the certification program.

“Technology certification programs today essentially represent a live version of a specific vendor’s product manual, so we see a real opportunity to offer increased value by focusing on the fundamental technology building blocks of advanced networks,” said James Caprara, vice president, global human resources development at Ciena.