Nortel Rolls Out First Optical Internet Certification

[Markham, CANADA] Nortel Networks (NYSE/TSE: NT) has added the
industry’s first certification for Optical Internet professionals to
its Certification Program.

Intended to help accelerate worldwide deployment of the Optical
Internet, the new track is designed to certify information
technologists and networking professionals in both enterprise and
service provider environments.

Optical Internet certification testing will be available beginning in
the first quarter of 2001. Preparatory training is available
immediately in selected areas.

Explosive growth of the Optical Internet marketplace has created
significant demand for individuals who can sell, design, implement,
and support new optical networks and services required globally by
enterprises and service providers.

Nortel Networks intends to use the Optical Internet professional
certification to help meet this demand, supporting continued growth,
quality design and implementation of the Optical Internet. IBM,
MetroMedia Fiber Networks and Unisys have already signed up to
participate.

“Nortel Networks Optical Internet certification supports our mission
to be the leading provider of end-to-end optical network solutions,”
said Charlotte Denenberg, vice president, optical infrastructure,
Metromedia Fiber Network.

“It strengthens Metromedia’s capabilities to build a metropolitan
fiber optic infrastructure, and to enable our customers to implement
the latest data, video, Internet and multimedia applications.”

Nortel will offer six certification designations within the Optical
Internet track, including four “specialist” level and two “expert”
level programs. The specialist level will include account specialist,
support specialist, design specialist, and field specialist.

Participants will be able to attend training courses first or go
directly to the certification exams, which will be administered at
all Authorized Prometrics Testing Centers. Training courses for the
Optical Internet certification track average three days and range in
cost from US $1,000 to US $5,000. Exams will range in cost from
US$100 to US $300.

The Nortel Networks Certification Program also offers certification
tracks in enterprise local and wide area networking, including
specialist,
expert and network architect levels of achievement.

Links to complete InternetNews.com coverage of Nortels recent
activity are available at:

• Nortel Confirms Guidance for 2000, 2001, November 1, 2000.
• Nortel Wins US $935 Million Contract from Xfera, October 25, 2000.