Azlan opens MS and Cisco training centre
Distributor broadens UK training horizons
Distributor Azlan is broadening its UK horizons with the launch of a new training facility in Plymouth.
The firm, a division of broadliner Computer 2000, launched the facility last week in partnership with the South West Technology Centre, to provide Cisco- and Microsoft- certified education to firms based in the south-west of England.
Although the majority of courses will centre around Microsoft Certified Support Engineer and Cisco Certified Network Professional certifications, Azlan will also provide further training through its Remote Labs facility.
Kevin Addington, Azlan training operations manager, said the region needed a training centre of its own.
"Cisco was finding it difficult to get coverage in the south west and asked us if there was anything we could do to generate a new market.
"In that part of the world there has not been a strong training provider; resellers have had to travel to Thames Valley or London. This will help them reduce costs of training in terms of travel and accommodation," he said.
Addington added the centre was "one of those opportunities that just arose" and the distributor has no plans to open more. "However, if another opportunity arose north of the border we would not turn it down," he said.
Maren Bennette, regional business development manager, south west England, at Cisco welcomed the launch of the centre.
"It is important that customers and partners of Cisco have access to local training facilities rather than having to travel up-country," he said.