Talent Programs

We transform talented graduates into certified and highly qualified experts for your company!

The Talent Programs aim to recruit and qualify several hundred multi-vendor certified IT specialists for different technologies. Our programs cater primarily to Channel Partners, but any company operating a sizable IT infrastructure would also benefit from our full-service packages. It is important to understand that we are not offering a simple training program, we are offering an educated person. This means that we are responsible for identifying, evaluating, educating, coaching, mentoring, certifying, and if needed replacing a candidate so that you as our customer can be sure that your investment will get you the educated and certified person(s) you are looking for.

The Talent Program at a glance

Our in-house recruiters and outside headhunters are constantly looking for suitable candidates. If we find that a candidate fits our program and your company, we will introduce this individual to you. You can then arrange an interview to get to know this screened and preselected candidate in person.

If a Cisco Partner preselects a candidate, this individual qualifies for our one-week evaluation class. We will provide a welcome package with preparatory materials for the various technologies. In the course of an intensive evaluation class, our specialists assess the candidates' technical and communication skills as well as their commitment to the program.

Once candidates have successfully completed the evaluation phase, a partner can select and hire the candidate, who is now qualified to take part in the corresponding six-month training program. The candidate gets a temporary contract for the duration of the training program. The contract guarantees permanent employment once candidates have successfully completed the program.

During the six-month training program, the new employers receive regular reports providing details on their new specialists’ progress and earned certifications.

Training Methods

Developed by our experienced specialists, the six-month training programs are constantly adapted to emerging technological requirements. Beyond these intensive workshops, we also offer further services to ensure optimum learning success:

• Deep-dive, pre-class resources and recommended reading
• Intensive, one-to-one mentoring
• Extended lab hours for personal practice and mentoring sessions
• Post-class test preparation, assessments and quizzes
• Certification tests with reviews and re-testing
• Reporting & monitoring

Interested?

Feel free to contact Diana Frehse if you have any questions:

Fast Lane Institute for Knowledge Transfer GmbH
Gasstrasse 4a, D - 22761 Hamburg
+49 (0)40 25334610, dfrehse@flane.de

Data Center Talent Program

With the Data Center Talent Program, we train cross-vendor certified experts for virtualized data center solutions within just six months!

Multi-vendor Certifications

All Data Center Talent Program participants will achieve the following certifications:

• CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associate
• CCDA - Cisco Certified Design Associate
• CCNP - Cisco Certified Network Professional
• Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Support Specialist
• Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Support Specialist
• Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Support Specialist
• Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Design Specialist
• Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Design Specialist
• Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Design Specialist
• Cisco Data Center Application Services Support Specialist
• VCP - VMware Certified Professional
• VCP5-DT - VMware Certified Professional Desktop
• NCDA – NetApp Certified Data Management Administrator

Data Center & Virtualization Training program

Fast Lane conducts training in several blocks to ensure candidates are well prepared for their future job assignments.

Over the course of six months, candidates will work with self-study materials, receive additional mentoring, and participate in intensive workshops.

Level 0

Evaluation Class, 1 week

• Welcome Package
• Technical Foundation Review
• One-to-One and Online Assessments

Level 1

Networking Fundamentals Workshop, 4 weeks

• No prerequisites
• Target Audience: students having no or limited networking background
• Networking Basics
• Networking Advanced Routing & Switching
• Networking Design & Troubleshooting
• Catalyst 6500 Series

Level 2

Virtualized Hosts & Storage Workshop, 4 weeks

• VMware vSphere
• NetApp Basics and Advanced Concepts (e.g. MetroCluster)
• Integration of NetApp and vSphere

Level 3

Data Center Virtualization Power Workshops, 6 weeks

• SAN Switching
• Unified Fabric
• Unified Computing
• Application Networking

Level 4

Integrated Multivendor & Virtual Desktop Solutions, 4 weeks

• Cloud Technologies
• NetApp FlexPod Implementation
• EMC Vblock Implementation
• Virtual Desktop Implementation

Curriculum in Detail

Networking Fundamentals Workshop

Level 1, Duration 4 weeks

• Building a Simple Network
• Switching
• Wireless LANs
• LAN Connections
• WAN Connections
• Network Environment Management
• Medium-Sized Routed Network Construction
• OSPF Implementation
• EIGRP Implementation
• BGP Implementation
• Access Control Lists
• Address Space Management
• Planning Routing Services to Requirements
• Connection of an Enterprise Network to an ISP Network
• Analyzing Campus Network Designs
• Minimizing Service Loss and Data Theft in a Campus Network
• Accommodating Voice and Video in Campus Networks
• Integrating Wireless LANs into a Campus Network
• Troubleshooting Processes for Complex Enterprise Networks
• Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tools and Applications
• Performing Maintenance & Troubleshooting
• Designing Methodologies and Processes
• Designing Campus and Data Center Networks
• Designing Security Solutions
• Implementation of Private VLANs
• Core Switch Features, incl. NAM, CEF, Firewalling, Server Load Balancing
• Catalyst 6500 Series, Catalyst 4900 Series, and Blade Switches

Virtualized Hosts & Storage Workshop

Level 2, Duration 4 weeks

• NetApp Storage Environments, Data ONTAP 7-Mode
• NetApp Data ONTAP CIFS Administration
• NetApp Data ONTAP NFS Administration
• NetApp Data ONTAP SAN Administration
• NetApp Data Protection Software Administration
• NetApp MetroCluster & High Availability
• VMware Virtualization, Virtual Machines
• VMware vCenter Server
• Configure and Manage Virtual Networks, Configure and Manage vSphere Storage
• Access and Authentication Control; Resource Management and Monitoring; Scalability
• High Availability and Fault Tolerance; Data Protection
• Installing VMware vSphere 5 Components
• Special Emphasis on Integration of vSphere and NetApp in a virtualized Environment

SAN Switching Workshop

Level 3, Duration 2 weeks

• MDS Product Range and System Architecture: Deep Dive including Oversubscription, Buffer Credits etc.
• Host Connectivity, Application Performance, Storage Capability
• SAN Design: Redundant Fabrics, Storage Consolidation, Storage Virtualization, Extension Solutions, DR/BC, FCIP, CWDM, DWDM and SONET/SDH, VSANs, IVR, Performance, Availability, and Security
• Installation & Configuration: MDS Switches and Directors, Software Upgrades and Licensing, Fabric Manager, Device Manager and CLI Options, Advanced Features including SME, DMM, and Secure Erase, Fabric Manager Server and Databases
• LAB Exercises: Interfaces, Zoning, VSANs, IVR over FC, FCIP for SAN Extension, Transit VSANs, IVR over FCIP, Advanced Security and Management VSANs, iSCSI and iSCSI Gateway, Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques and Tools

Unified Fabric Workshop

Level 3, Duration 7 days

• Data Center Design Models & Strategy
• Data Center Network Design
• Implementing High-Availability Data Center Features
• Understanding Fiber Channel and Fiber Channel over Ethernet
• Nexus 7000, 5000, 4000, 2000: Hardware & Software Architecture, Features & Capabilities, Configuration & Troubleshooting

Unified Computing Implementation Workshop

Level 3, Duration 8 days

• Converting existing Data Center to Cisco Virtualized Data Center
• Cisco UCS C-Series HW Installation and Management
• Cisco UCS B-Series HW Installation and Management
• Service Profiles, Templates, Resource Pools, HA Failover Scenarios
• Cisco UCS B-Series Monitoring and Troubleshooting
• Design/Sizing VMware vSphere Solutions with UCS and Nexus 1000V
• VMware vSphere Integration with UCS and Nexus 1000V
• Design Automated Provisioning with BMC Blade Logic

Data Center Application Networking Services Workshop

Level 3, Duration 1 week

• Implementation of Data Center Load Balancing Services
• Virtualizing Load Balancing and Firewall Services
• Implementation of WAN Acceleration Load Balancing
• Troubleshooting virtualized Application Networking Services
• Implementation of Global Load Balancing between Data Centers
• Management and High-Availability for Application Networking Solutions

Integrated Multivendor & Virtual Desktop Solutions (Cloud Computing)

Level 4, Duration 4 weeks

• Cloud Computing Models
• NetApp FlexPod: Enhanced Secure Multi-Tenancy, Server and Network Virtualization in a Multi-Tenant Environment, NetApp Storage in a Multi-Tenant Environment
• EMC Vblock: Vblock Storage, Virtualization, Provisioning
• Microsoft Hyper-V and Citrix XEN overview
• HP, Dell, IBM Solutions overview and competitive discussion
• Advanced cabling technologies in the virtualized Data Center
• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Implementation (VMware View)
• Virtual Desktop Solutions integrated with Cisco UCS

Collaboration & Business Video Talent Program

With the Collaboration & Business Video Talent Program, we train certified experts for tomorrow’s collaboration solutions within just six months!

Certifications

All Collaboration & Business Videdo Talent Program participants will achieve the following certifications:

• CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associate
• CCDA – Cisco Certified Design Associate
• CCNA Voice - Cisco Certified Network Associate Voice
• CCNP Voice - Cisco Certified Network Professional Voice
• CCIE Voice – Cisco Certified Internet Expert Voice (written)
• Cisco IP Contact Center Express Specialist
• Cisco Unity Support Specialist
• Cisco Unified Communications Systems Engineer
• Cisco Unified Communications Field Engineer
• Cisco Rich Media Communications Specialist
• Cisco TelePresence Solutions Specialist

Collaboration & Business Video Training Program

Fast Lane conducts training in several blocks to ensure candidates are well prepared for their future job assignments.

Over the course of six months, candidates will work with self-study materials, receive additional mentoring, and participate in intensive workshops.

Level 0

Evaluation Class, 1 week

• Welcome Package
• Technical Foundation Review
• One-to-One and Online Assessments

Level 1

Networking & Unified Communications Fundamentals Workshop, 3 weeks

• Networking Basics
• Cisco Unified Communications Fundamentals
• Understand Network Designs and Architectural Concepts

Level 2

Unified Communications Expert Workshop, 5 weeks

• Design, Implement & Troubleshoot Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express
• Design, Implement & Troubleshoot Cisco Unified Communications Manager
• Understand QoS Requirements and Needs in the Unified Communications Area
• Billing & Attendant Solutions for Cisco Unified Communications Manager

Level 3

Unified Communications Applications & Cross Compatibilities, 4 weeks

• Enhance a Unified Communications Solution for Customer Needs
• Voice Application Portfolios
• Understand & Implement a Contact Center Infrastructure
• Overview of Microsoft Unified Communications Suite
• Voice Infrastructure Management Solutions Overview
• Implement & Manage Cisco Voice Mail Solutions

Level 4

Specialization Workshop for country specific Challenges, 2 weeks

• Understand the country specific Telecommunications provider technologies
• Be able to adapt the Cisco Unified Communications Suite into the country specific Telecommunications provider infrastructure
• Understand and be able to adapt the Unified Communications Suite to comply with country or regional laws and emergency call requirements
• Design a robust and customer specific Unified Communications Solution
• Be familiar with the Cisco Product Life Cycle Service

Level 5

Cisco Business Video Solutions Power Workshop, 3 weeks

• Design, Implement & Manage a Basic Cisco TelePresence Solution
• Design, Implement & Manage an Advanced Cisco TelePresence Solution

Level 6

Cisco Collaboration Expert Workshop, 2 weeks

• Cisco Rich Media Solutions
• Cisco Unified Communications version 8.6 add-on
• Cisco Collaboration Solutions on Cisco Unified Computing System
• Cisco CCIE Voice Expert Preparation

Curriculum in Detail

Networking & Unified Communications Fundamentals Workshop

Level 1, Duration 3 Weeks

• Simple and Advanced Network Concepts
• Cisco Switching Concepts and Implementation
• Enterprise Routing Protocols and Implementation
• Wireless LAN Solutions
• Configure Cisco Routers
• IPv6 Concept and Implementation
• Understand the Cisco Unified Communications Call Processing Solutions
• Administration and Maintain Cisco Unified Communication Products
• Differentiate call signaling protocols and media stream options
• Know and describe Cisco Unified Communications Endpoints
• Understand and endpoint and end-user administration
• Be able to administer Unified Communications Applications like Voice-Mail and Presence

Unified Communications Expert Workshop

Level 2, Duration 5 Weeks

• Understand and Implement Unified Communications Manager Express
• Be able to handle several voice signaling and voice codecs
• Handle software upgrades on Unified Communications Manager Express
• Extensive knowledge and understanding about QoS requirements for Unified Communications
• Implementing a Cisco Unified Communications Manager Solution
• Understand Dial plan configuration and learn best practices in Cisco Unified Communications Manager
• Be able to troubleshoot a Cisco Unified Communications Solution in complex environments including multi-codec and multiple voice signaling methods (SIP/H.323)
• Overview around commonly used 3rd party Billing and Attendant Console Solutions

Unified Communications Applications & Cross Compatibilities

Level 3, Duration 4 Weeks

• Understand Cisco Voicemail products and concepts
• Implement Unity Connection and Unity Express Solutions
• Be able to understand and handle voice profiles
• Common understanding around Cisco Presence Implementation including Personal Communicator
• Overview around 3rd party Voice Platform Management solutions
• Overview around 3rd party Voice Recording solutions including restrictions and special requirements caused by regional laws
• Understand Contact Center concepts and common requirements by local customers
• Be able to implement a Cisco Contact Center Express solution including voice recording and email integration
• Implement a basic Microsoft based Unified Communications solution and know about the interfaces to Cisco`s Unified Communications platform
• Extensive knowledge and understanding about Cisco`s Unity Connection solution including implementation and administration

Specialization Workshop for Country specific Challenges

Level 4, Duration 2 Weeks

• Focus on specific customer requirements for the local market
• Study and implement country specific solutions to integrate a Cisco Unified Communications solution into local service providers
• Be able to understand and implement local emergency call requirements
• Customize the Cisco solution for the local market
• Transfer of best practices to prepare to work and grow in the field
• Extensive knowledge about designing a robust Cisco Unified Communications solution including additional applications
• Know about limitations and supported scenarios to prevent problems in the field
• Understand the Cisco Life Cycle Services for Advanced Unified Communications

Cisco Business Video Solutions Power Workshop

Level 5, Duration 3 Weeks

• Plan, Implement and Administer a Cisco TelePresence Video solution
• Understand the Return of Investment strategy with the TelePresence Video solution
• Understand special system features and requirements
• Extend the gained knowledge with the new Cisco Advanced TelePresence Video solution
• Know how to integrate the TelePresence Video solution into the customers environment

Cisco Collaboration Expert Workshop

Level 6, Duration 2 Weeks

• Virtualize Unified Communications applications
• VMware feature support
• Manage Virtual Machines (OVA Templates)
• Understand Licensing models
• Designing complete UC on UCS system
• Learn about the Cisco Rich Media Communications concepts
• Get up to speed with the latest Unified Communications System Release
• Preparation for the written CCIE Voice exam

Borderless Networks Talent Program

Coming soon!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the selection process work in detail?

• Partners will receive CVs of suitable candidates and can pre-select a number of candidates. Partners should perform an interview via phone or video in order to make sure that candidate(s) would be suitable.
• Selected candidates receive the self study material and take the evaluation class - once candidates have passed the evaluation class, a final interview may be performed by partner and as a result, one ore more candidates will be hired by partner (temporary contract).

What happens with candidates that pass the evaluation class but are not hired by any partner?

• This should not happen because we allow only pre-selected candidates to enter the evaluation class. In those very rare cases where this would be the case, we will charge the partner a 10% cancellation fee but will allow the partner to select another candidate.

What kind of recruitment services are included?

• The program includes the pre-selection of candidates, presenting suitable candidates to partners, and performing the final evaluation of candidates.
• Costs for personal interviews (for example travel costs) are not included, this needs to be arranged between partner and candidate.

What happens if a candidate fails to complete the program?

• There is one additional check at the end of Level 1. Candidates that are in really bad shape at this point in time will be asked to leave the program and the partner may select one more candidate free of charge.
• Once candidates are past this point, they will not fail; the program provides enough time for one to one mentoring as well as various retries.

What happens if a candidate leaves the program?

• This is something neither Fast Lane or Cisco can take responsibility for and needs to be part of the contract between the partner and the candidate.

What are the terms of payment?

• 50% once partner orders one or more seats
• 30% once candidate has been hired by partner
• 20% after candidate achieved CCNP certification

Can partners bring their own candidates?

• Yes, but they will still have to pass the evaluation class. If partners bring their own candidates, the total cost of the program is reduced.