F5 Networks and University of Phoenix Collaborate to Create Application Delivery Networking Certificate Program

F5 and University of Phoenix join forces to create certificate program on Application Delivery Networking fundamentals, available summer 2013

SEATTLE—Today, F5 Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIV), the global leader in Application Delivery Networking (ADN), and University of Phoenix announced the pooling of resources to develop an ADN Certificate Program (noncredit). University of Phoenix will be offering five new courses that provide the knowledge that is foundational to F5 certifications. The coursework is software and hardware-agnostic, which allows students to develop transferrable skills in ADN. The program also features a virtual learning and lab environment to allow demonstration and practice of concepts on F5® products, including F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager™ and BIG-IP® Local Traffic Manager Virtual Edition.

ADN is an approach and a suite of technologies that comprises application security, application acceleration and network availability. ADN ensures that applications are always secure, fast, and available across any network. The program’s curriculum focuses on layer 4–7, while emphasizing the foundational knowledge required to design, deploy, and manage solutions in complex ADN environments. The program is designed for individuals focused on deploying and maintaining networking solutions.

Recent Gartner research has noted a shortage in application delivery skills. “One of the challenges is to find individuals with the appropriate skill set and, more importantly, retaining the people with these difficult-to-find skills, as there is a recognized shortage and many with this skill will gravitate to the vendor community,” wrote Mark Fabbi and Joe Skorupa of Gartner. “The role played by the application delivery architect demands strong people skills and broad technical skills.”¹

“This is another opportunity for the University of Phoenix to collaborate with a top technology vendor to deliver the kind of specialized education individuals and businesses are looking for today,” said Barry Feierstein, EVP and Chief Business Operating Officer at University of Phoenix.

The program is expected to be available online this summer and features the following courses:

ADNCE/2010 Introduction to ADN

This course is an overview of networking essentials that are required to understand how communication takes place over a network and how data is transmitted. Topics covered include the OSI model, communication protocols, and network hardware. Additional information will be provided on possible networking errors that prevent successful transmission.

ADNCE/2020 The Role of Networking in ADN Solutions

This course concentrates on operating system fundamentals, the role of the operating system in distributing applications, and server virtualization for the use and distribution of applications. Emphasis will be placed on use in both small networks and enterprise-wide networks.

ADNCE/2030 The Role of Applications in ADN Solutions

This course emphasizes the deployment of applications over the network. Types and uses of applications are discussed as well as the effect these applications have on network efficiency. Implications of user intervention in the delivery will also be reviewed, as well as possible methods to optimize delivery.

ADNCE/2040 The Role of Security in ADN Solutions

This course concentrates on the need for adequate security measures being instituted in the network to protect the network and the applications being used. This course reviews the threats (both internal and external) to the network and underlying data. It reviews the additional preventative measures that need to be taken when deploying and using applications.

ADNCE/2050 ADN Capstone

This final course provides an overview of all previous course work to ensure that a clear understanding has been gained of each component part of the course series. This course also discusses forward-looking trends and how these changes affect application delivery for future use, even when the company may not have updated software/hardware.

The F5 and University of Phoenix partnership follows the ongoing expansion of the F5 Certified!™ Professional Certification Program, through which F5 has developed a documented skill set, learning path, and curricula focused on the application delivery discipline. With this program offered through University of Phoenix and F5’s Professional Certification Program, F5 provides an opportunity for certification that validates people who have the experience, skills, and knowledge in networking and applications, with an in-depth understanding of how the two interact.

“The Application Delivery Networking program blends application, network, and security knowledge into a dedicated ADN learning experience,” said Joe Taylor, Director of Service Operations and Training at F5.

Supporting Quotes

“As a former graduate of the University of Phoenix, I know from experience that the school provides high-quality education and a very strong curriculum, with certificate programs that give people the tools they need to advance their careers,” said Howard Binner, Director of IS and Security at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, Wash. “These programs also benefit organizations like Overlake, as we are continually looking to hire IT professionals with industry-specific training and experience. Application Delivery Networking has evolved into an essential technology for data centers to function smoothly, so I’m pleased to see this new curriculum to help build that important skill set.”

“The courses on Application Delivery Networking being offered by the University of Phoenix represent a valuable tool to further expand the professional development of our technical employees and customers,” said Bruce Hampton, Chief Technology Architect at Milestone Systems, Inc. “In addition, the courses augment the extensive F5 product training catalog delivered by Milestone Systems, Inc. and help us in developing the talented engineers required in today’s complex Application Delivery Networking environments.”

¹Gartner, Inc., “Three Phases to Improve Application Delivery Teams,” Mark Fabbi and Joe Skorupa, November 22, 2011

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning can help students pursue personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As the flagship university of Apollo Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit http://www.phoenix.edu.

About F5

F5 (NASDAQ: FFIV) makes apps go faster, smarter, and safer for the world’s largest businesses, service providers, governments, and consumer brands. F5 delivers cloud and security solutions that enable organizations to embrace the application infrastructure they choose without sacrificing speed and control. For more information, go to f5.com. You can also follow @f5networks on Twitter or visit us on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information about F5, its partners, and technologies.

F5 is a trademark or service mark of F5 Networks, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries. All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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