CNET Launches Online Courses

Posted on June 22, 2001

CNET has launched SmartPlanet, a fee-based online technology learning and certification training service IT and business professionals. CNET Networks is a technology media and how-to company. Its network of websites includes ZDNet, CNET and TechRepublic.

``SmartPlanet is just the kind of valuable resource our audience expects,'' said Barry Briggs, president of CNET Networks' Media division. ``We attract millions of IT and business professionals to our sites each month with information and commerce services that are essential to their careers, helping them use technology effectively and make better buying decisions. We believe they will find great value in the convenience and credibility of our online education and certification training.''

Developed with online education partner Element K, the new SmartPlanet will be integrated throughout CNET Networks' network of websites. SmartPlanet students can choose from 600 self-study and instructor-led courses. Course categories include Web design, programming languages and software applications, as well as courses that enhance desktop user proficiency in popular programs such as Microsoft Office. IT professionals can also train for high-end technology certification for Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle, Linux, Java and other technologies.

``Our partnership with CNET Networks is ideal - particularly given CNET Networks' recognized leadership in information and commerce services for the technology industry and Element K's heritage in online IT training,'' said Terry Nulty, president of Element K. ``Together, we are in a unique position to further advance online learning by providing a large audience of IT professionals with efficient, flexible and cost effective methods of acquiring knowledge, and enabling them to expand their competencies and improve productivity.''