Re: The State of the CCIE Training Industry

Just because a company expands revenue streams doesn't mean anything.
No good company stays static.... Also IPX is doing the same thing...

On Saturday, July 11, 2009, Darby Weaver <ccie.weaver_at_gmail.com> wrote:
> CCNP material?
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> On Sat, Jul 11, 2009 at 8:50 AM, Dark Fiber <darkfiber08_at_gmail.com> wrote:
> I think the rumors of Brian Dennis and INE were GREATLY exaggerated...
>
> It would seem because of his post on their blog yesterday that he just has been tucked away working on material...
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> On Sat, Jul 11, 2009 at 2:59 AM, Darby Weaver <ccie.weaver_at_gmail.com> wrote:
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> Well here I go again.
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> I just came back from Cisco Live 2009. Had a great time attended some
> techtorials and breakout technical sessions. Met some awesome people. Lots
> of energy.
>
> Here's the State of the CCIE Union.
>
> It appears there is not enough to go around and pools of endless CCIE
> Candidates are drying up (at least of the paying variety).
>
> It seems that the Cisco CCIE 360 Program was designed to retain the value of
> the program and it has its merits. However a lot of very respected trainers
> are joining the program for one or more reasons:
>
> 1. It is better (eye of the beholder).
>
> 2. It allows the trainers to accept Cisco Learning Credits (in a very very
> tough market).
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> 3. It is going to allow for a much improved product.
>
> Umm... That's a multiple choice question.
>
>
> So if a lot of trainers are being "corraled" by Cisco into joining the
> program as at least some have suggested (as in join us or die... well more
> like join us or decertify) isn't this a little odd way to bring some of the
> best trainers in the industry into the Cisco CCIE 360 Program?
>
> I think so, but hey I'm not a trainer nor a CCIE as of yet and so it's not
> really my concern.
>
> My concern is innovative and quality products.
>
> From what I gather I'm not sure this is going to happen from the Cisco CCIE
> 360 Program immediately or possibly anytime soon despite having some 30
> highly experienced CCIE Trainers (some of whom are content developers).
>
> Let's see....
>
> There's a mean rumor going around that are only two main games left in
> town: Cisco CCIE 360 Program and IPExpert. And IPExpert is diversifying
> into other certifications...
>
> What? Only 2!!! What about InternetworkExpert?
>
> Apparently some think InternetworkExpert may be in dire straights (Truth or
> Dare) and since Brian Dennis may no longer be at the head of the table
> (another rumor from an informed source) then InternetworkExpert as we know
> it may not exist much longer and may not hold a top spot either for long.
>
> In any event the CCIE Training is venue is bleeding badly. Very badly.
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> I saw a lot of stuff while in San Franscisco. I saw a little hustle and
> jive. I saw fear. I saw anger. I saw despair. And out of it all I might
> have seen a glint of opportunity but you'll have to shake me to see where I
> saw that aspect of the game.
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>
>
> Here's the problem as I see it:
>
> 1. The economy. Well not quite true since in times likes these trainers
> and education in general are safe bets... unless...
>
> 2. Every trainer sells and makes all their "intellectual property" full
> available "electronically.
>
> 3. Ouch! I said it. Piracy and Sharing is about to be the death of the
> program. Classes are still a go, but electronic revenues are getting hit
> hard apparently and the biggest retailers are getting hit the hardest (like
> say... InternetworkExpert for example).
>
> 4. One CCIE Vendor/Trainer shared with me a very sad fact... Exactly 4
> sales of a product in exactly 4 months. That's it guys. It is now that bad
> and LockLizard is not good enough to protect the family jewels.
>
>
> But... but... Darby... I'm from a poor country and I cannot afford a
> workbook a video on demand, or anything else... Yep I hear these all the
> time. Ouch! Apparently you won't have to worry as soon there won't be
> anyone left producing them and you will have to rely on Cisco Press and the
> Cisco CCO for your training. The CCIE Vendors/Trainers may soon be
> extinct.
>
> The Golden Age of CCIE Training is almost waning entirely and may soon be
> gone in the advent of several things:
>
> 1. Mass media - electronic media.
>
> 2. High download speeds - 30GB is downloadable quite quickly.
>
> 3. Rapidshare and others are the death of this industry - sorry it is true.
>
> 4. Sell once and a team get together for

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Received on Sat Jul 11 2009 - 09:53:47 ART