Buy-outs slash training options

Analysts have warned that increasing consolidation in the networking training market could leave companies with less choice in staff training.

Analysts have warned that increasing consolidation in the networking training market could leave companies with less choice in staff training.Commenting on the recent acquisition of Cisco training partner GeoTrain by Global Knowledge, Ellen Julian, manager for IT training and education services research at International Data Corporation (IDC), said: "This acquisition sets the stage for further consolidation among the independent education providers in 2000 and beyond. Companies will have a limited choice of larger companies to choose from for network training."

Global Knowledge formally announced its acquisition of Geotrain, the largest Cisco training partner in the UK, at the end of October. The move is its latest in a series of acquisitions.

Jonathan Lindsell, Global Knowledge UK's managing director, denied that the company was shrinking the training market. "Our mission is to ensure that we offer a diverse range of courses to meet the needs of networking professionals," he said.

In other news, Global Knowledge announced an alliance with network trouble-shooting firm Fluke Corporation. Global has launched two courses based on Fluke equipment and knowledge of network analysis methods entitled: "Trouble-shooting the Ethernet Lan" and "Getting the most out of your Lan meter".

Ian Rowe, support manager for Fluke said that as networks become increasingly complex, problems are likely to occur that would make training in trouble-shooting increasingly relevant: "Networks are becoming more powerful but there are still problems," he said.

Rowe refuted suggestions that the courses were an attempt to market Fluke products. He said that they also examine generic trouble-shooting issues. "The two-day trouble-shooting course covers the principles of trouble shooting," he said.