Red Hat and Global Knowledge Team Up To Offer Linux Certification

Linux operating system (OS) vendor Red Hat, Inc. this week announced a partnership with Global Knowledge Network, an independent IT training company, to advance the open-source cause through a new exams-based certification program.

Global Knowledge, under terms of the partnership, will provide what Red Hat describes as “real-world, hands-on training and certification,” in 15 cities throughout the US. The first courses will begin in September of this year.

Real World Linux Training For E-Commerce Pros

Registrants from beginning to network professional levels — who are actively interested in moving to open-source solutions — will be required to demonstrate performance capabilities in such areas as diagnostic testing and troubleshooting, installing and configuring Red Hat Linux, performing essential administration and setting up common network (IP) services.

“Network and system administrators who want to learn the Linux-based systems, further develop their internetworking skills and achieve Red Hat’s highly credible certification have been asking Global Knowledge for this offering,” commented Greg Roels, Global Knowledge vice president. “We’re responding with the highest quality, real-world Red Hat Linux training for today’s internetworking, Internet and e-commerce professionals.”

Spreading the Open-Source Gospel

Industry analysts have predicted that other Linux vendors will follow suit. In May, Caldera Systems, Inc. announced sponsorship and support for the Linux Professional Institute’s (LPI) exam-based certification program. Caldera, however, is expected to announce their own program, possibly tapping the services of Global Knowledge.

The goal of the LPI standardized certification program was, in part, to increase Linux implementation by small-to-enterprise class businesses and make the open-source OS more attractive to Authorized Education Centers (AECs), VARs and resellers.

According to Tim Buckley, senior vice president and COO for Red Hat, the Durham, North Carolina-based company’s “certification program continues (their) mission to provide complete software, training and support for enterprise corporations using or migrating to open-source software solutions.”

Jonesing For A Distro Deal

In a separate announcement, Red Hat also disclosed this week that Jones Business Systems, Inc. (JBSI) will distribute Red Hat Linux 6.0 and tech support — bundling the Red Hat Linux 6.0 on its server and desktop platforms.

The Stafford, Texas-based company “will focus on maximizing performance and ease of installation of Red Hat Linux on (its) Terian systems in order to optimize the Linux-user friendly experience,” said Bruce Parsons, vice president of sales for JBSI.

“Our relationship with Red Hat will enable JBSI to deliver Linux to resellers who wish to provide a full range of enterprise computing solutions,” added Don Young, vice president of product marketing for JBSI.

About Red Hat

Founded in 1994, Red Hat develops Linux-based open-source OS solutions, bundling applications, server programs and, significantly, technical support, among other offerings.