Cisco Networkers 2010

March 28-31

Bahrain

I am a real fan of Networkers or as Cisco began to call the event, “Cisco Live”.  But I received some great news; they are calling it Networkers again.  Really, in Bahrain this next month Cisco Networkers is scheduled for March 28 thru 31.  These events are worth the pilgrimage many of us make to attend.  I have begun my plans for attending Networkers in Bahrain and I hope to see many of you there.  If you find me I will give every CCIE a CCIE Flyer wagon and take a photo to use in the CCIE Flyer magazine. I will have to endure great hardships to get there.  I will have to leave the warmth of my home crossing the mountains of snow left by two sequential blizzards here in Delaware.  Endure the frosty glare of security thugs at the airport and the long flight time having cocktails with strangers.  The things I do for you guys; I swear!

A Pilgrimage to remember

My last trip to Networkers er…ah Cisco Live (sorry John) was in 2008. Since I live on the east coast here in the USA I decided I would make the trip all the way to Orlando in my car.  That was a fun event and I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to the CCIE Party and the many events and displays.  But Networkers is much better for techies to attend.  There are labs, training, product demos, opportunities to meet with Cisco experts, design clinics, consultancy for troubleshooting specific scenarios, educational sessions, and many exhibitors providing many more interesting opportunities for network engineers to benefit from the event.

Agenda

Registration

Education

Breakout SessionsIT Insights ProgramTechnical SeminarsLabsCase StudiesTechnology PanelsBirds of a FeatherCisco Career CertificationMeet the EngineerTechnology SolutionsCustomer Advisory CommitteeRecommended Reading ListGreen Initiative

• Agenda
• Why Attend
• Registration
• Education
• World of Solutions
• Service Provider Program
• Content Program
• Cisco Keynote
• Networking Opportunities
• Cisco Live and Networkers Virtual
• Travel and Hotels
• Visas

Education

At Cisco Networkers Bahrain, you’ll build the knowledge you need to make a powerful difference in your organization. You’ll find answers to your questions on specific technologies and network environments. You’ll learn about the emerging trends in technology and communications that will change the way people live and work. You’ll gain new insight into how evolving network technologies will affect business strategy. And you can earn the certifications that demonstrate to current and future employers your skill and expertise.

In a challenging economic climate, value is more important than ever. Cisco Networkers Bahrain offers the education you need to make you a more valuable resource in your workplace by making your workplace more efficient and effective.

• Session Catalog

So please mark your calendars and send me a note so I know where to find you!

Bahrain here I come!!!

last week we have successfully finished the world’s first ever public schedule CCDE Practical Boot Camp. We ran 2 successful CCDE written courses earlier this year already, along with some in-house CCDE lab training. Students were very satisfied with our 10 Day CCDE Practical Boot Camp. Most of them are doing the CCDE exam in London today. 

Following our recent success in the UK, we will now be running our CCDE Bootcamps on a global scale to serve CCDE delegates in Chicago and Hong Kong as well in addition to our London offerings. We are delighted that many Cisco Training Providers have already shown interest in advertising our CCDE Boot Camps. Additionally 2 more ProNet Expert Instructors are doing the lab exam today, so hopefully we will have even more CCDE Instructors available soon. 

Additionally we would like to thank one particular Cisco Gold Channel Partner for giving us the opportunity to run a CCDE Training Class at their premises later next year. We really appreciate your trust.

What makes our CCDE Boot Camp so special?
Well, we are currently the only CCDE Bootcamp worldwide, which has a certified CCDE Instructor teaching it. Our customers’ main question is always: “Who is the instructor and what’s his CCDE number”. Of course our customers recognize that a CCDE Bootcamp must be conducted by a CCDE. You wouldn’t take driving lessons with an instructor without a driving licence. Another big advantage is, that our instructor, Radu Hambasan (CCDE # 20090002) is not only a trainer, but also a real world Cisco Design Consultant. He brings all his real world experience into the classroom and that’s a bonus most training companies don’t have to offer. 

Over the last week, we have put our new website online (www.ccdebootcamp.com) where you can view some pictures and video clips from the CCDE Boot Camp. Additionally we have decided to also provide some sample Design scenarios for review. We welcome everybody to have a look at our new page and ask us any questions you may have in regards to CCDE Training.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Your ProNet Expert CCDE Team  
http://www.ccdebootcamp.com

The rest of the week myself and a new colleague of mine (Russell Barrett) were on the road to see new clients interested in Cisco Consultancy and Cisco Training. We can certainly tell that the economy is taking a serious turn for the better again, which we all been long waiting for. It hasn’t been a bad year for ProNet, but over the last couple of months, we see a sharp increase in requests and we are looking forward to a great 2010.

Martin Voelk
CTO & Founder
ProNetExpert

WebEx is great. Let me start my today’s blog with those words. I haven’t been blogging for a while and that’s due to the fact that I have been doing a lot of bespoke / tailored training for a variety of customers in the UK and the US in November. Customers more and more demand tailored training solutions which focus on the technologies they really use in their network operations. We see that trend especially in the UK Gold and Silver Channel Partners. Right now we have delivered bespoke remote and onsite Cisco Training to around 50% of the Cisco Gold Partners in the UK and it seems that we will do a lot more in the months to come. Especially Data Center, Wireless and Security seems to be in great demand.

If you need bespoke / tailored Cisco Training Solutions, contact ProNetExpert today.

Best,
Martin Voelk

Please also have a look at our October 2009 Newsletter for more information:
http://www.pronetexpert.com/pronetexpert-october2009-newsletter.pdf 

Free 802.11n Wireless Workshop:
Date: Friday, 13. November 2009
Time: 10:00 am UK time
Duration: 2 hours
Delivered Online

Content:
- Next Generation Wireless Networking
- MIMO Technology Overview
- Changes to the Physical Layer
- Changes to the Media Access Control Layer
- 1140 & 1250 Access Points Overview

Key advantages of our 4h - 3 day Cisco Power Workshops:

-> Candidates only focus on a specific technology on which they really need to gain knowledge on in order to support their particular network infrastructure

-> Employers don’t lose employees for full 5 days from their business operations

-> Employers save on budget by only spending training budget on a 1 day course rather than on a full week

-> Our Cisco Power Workshops take place at customer premises or are being delivered remotely through WebEx or Netmeeting.

Technologies being taught in our tailored and customized workshops include:

R&S
Router series: 800, 1800, 2800, 3800, 7100, 7400, 7500, 12000 etc.

Switch series: Catalyst 500, 2950, 3550, 3560, 4500, Catalyst 6500 etc. (all modules, port adapters and cards involved).

Routing protocols: Static Routing, RIPv1, RIPv2, IGRP, EIGRP, OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, Policy Based Routing etc.

Switching protocols: Spanning Tree, VLANs, Trunks, Port Channels, Layer 2 Security, Multicast etc.

Design: Cisco best practises, Consolidation models, 3 Layer hierarchy (Access, Distribution, Core) etc.

Features: HSRP, VRRP, GLBP, NAT, DHCP, DNS, Tunneling, NTP, Syslog, RMON, SNMP etc.

Quality of Service: Congesting Management (Queuing), Traffic Policing, Traffic Shaping, LLQ, MQC, Congestion Avoidance.

WAN: Frame-Relay, IP MPLS VPN, Leased lines, xDSL, ISDN, Wireless Broadband, Satellite links etc.

Security
Cisco ASA Firewalls: 5505, 5510, 5520, 5540, 5580, the full Cisco PIX Firewall family, FWSM, CSM, Cisco VPN Routers etc.

 Cisco VPN: VPN 3000 Series Concentrators, VPN blades, Site-to-Site VPN, Remote Access VPN, Cisco SSL VPN etc.

 Cisco IPS: 4200 series, IDSM-2 blade, Cisco IOS IPS, Shunning, IPS Manager, IDM, AIP-SSM, HIPS (CSA) etc. 

 Cisco MARS: MARS 20, MARS 50, MARS 100, integration with IPS and CSA, reports, queries, local / global set ups etc.

 Identity Management: Cisco ACS, RADIUS, TACACS+, 802.1x, LDAP, OTP, RSA, certificates, biometrics etc.

 Router & Switch Security: Access-Lists, VLAN maps, TCP Intercept, Lock-and-Key, Anti Spoofing, CBAC, IOS Firewall etc.

 Network Admission Control (NAC): In-band, out-of-band, clean access client, ACS integration, 3rd. party integration etc.

Voice:
Cisco Unified Communications Manager (former Call Manager), Dial Plans, Call Routing, PBX interconnect etc.

Cisco Messaging, Cisco Unity, Cisco Unity Connection, Cisco Unity Express, Call Handling & Call Routing etc. 

Cisco Voice Gateways, E1/T1 PRI, E1/T1 CAS, H.323, MGCP, SIP, IP-IP Gateway, CUBE, RAS etc.  

Cisco Contact Center, Cisco Unified Presence, Cisco TelePresence, Cisco WebEx etc.

Cisco Telephony protocols, IOS Call Manager Express, Quality of Service, Voice over IP Security etc.

Service Provider
Service Provider Support: Service Provisioning, ISP Best Practice Design Principles, RIPE, ARIN, AP-NIC etc.

 IP Services and Routing: Cisco IPv4, Cisco IPv6, IS-IS, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, Multicast etc.

 Cisco MPLS, Intra-AS MPLS VPN, Inter-AS MPLS VPN, L2TP, GRE, Carrier supporting Carrier, 802.1 QinQ etc.

 Cisco ISP Security: Anti Spoofing, Backplane protection, Data Plane Security, Control Plane Security, Attack mitigation.

 Cisco ISP QOS: MPLS VPN QOS, Service Level Agreements, IP SLA, Classification, Marking, Policing, Shaping, Queuing etc.

 Cisco ISP High Availability: NSF/SSO, Sonet APS, RPR, Graceful Restart, Fast Reroute, Link/Node protection etc.

 Cisco High End Products: CRS-1, IOS-XR, GSR 12000 series etc.

Storage
SAN protocols: Fibre Channels, SCSI, iSCSI, IPFC, FCIP, FICON etc.

Storage Design, Storage Virtualization, SAN fabric Design, SAN Security etc. 

 Fibre Channel Features: VSAN, Zoning, FC Domain, Port Tracking, Traffic Engineering, IVRs etc.

IP Storage based: SAN Extension Tuner, ISLB, ISNS, FCIP, iSCSI, Special Frames etc.

SAN Management: Performance Manager, SANTap, SME, DMM, SDV etc.

Wireless
Autonomous Access Points, Wireless LAN Solutions Engine (WLSE), WDS, Conversion to LWAPP etc.

 Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers, 4400 Series, 2200 Series, 5500 Series, WiSM module, ISR WLC modules etc.

 Cisco Wireless Management, Wireless Control System (WCS), Mobility Services Engine (MSE), Navigator, Spectrum Expert.

 Location Based Services, Cisco 2700 Location Based Appliance, Cisco Mobility Services Engine (3300 Series) etc.

 Cisco Wireless Security, 802.1x, ACS, WPA/WPA-2, AES, Certificates, Wireless IPS, Cisco Secure Services Client etc.

 Cisco Wireless MESH Networking, 1500 series MESH access points etc.

 Cisco Next Generation Wireless, 802.11n, 1140 series, 1250 series etc.

 Voice over Wireless LAN (VoWLAN), Wireless Quality of Service (QOS) etc.

However here in the UK we are seeing a lot of interest in PCI compliance. Not because the customers have additional funds to spare but because banks and other credit card processing organizations are increasing pressure to become compliant by the end of 2010.

Currently we are working with one of our Partners on 2 large retail accounts to become PCI compliant. We are tailoring an all inclusive package to meet the deadline. Hardware, Design, Consultancy & of course tailored high end Cisco Training.  It involves AAA (Cisco ACS), SSH on all boxes, IPS/IDS, NAC, Router & Switch Security as well as Cisco Security Manager and CS MARS.

Apparently the processing bank (a leading UK financial) organization has told the customer that if PCI compliance isn’t met by the end of 2010 there will be a fine of up to £50k per month for every non-compliant month. Ouch!

So it is better worth checking with the financial institutions now before it’s getting to close to the deadline. The beauty for me as the CTO and for our technical Cisco Consultants and Cisco Trainers is the fact that we get to spec, design, implement all the latest and greatest Cisco Security technologies and deliver Training on it.

The timelines are tight, but we have a great team and look forward to those 2 large projects.

Martin Voelk
CTO
ProNetExpert
http://www.pronetexpert.com/cisco-ccie-consulting-consultancy-support-services-security-ironport.html

I am doing a lot of SEO at our company ProNetExpert and the other webpresences we own. The amount of new leads we trigger from that is immense. Well, but there is a downfall to it. It takes a LOT of time but I truly enjoy it as results are almost guaranteed by applying the correct methods and dedicating the necessary time.

However it suprised by that I was recently consulted by a large bookmaker in the UK to assist them on promoting a new product.  Those of you who know me,  Martin doesn’t turn down things like that, although it is quite challenging and takes up a lot of the little time I have left in the evenings. Additionally I am currently helping a Scotland based Gym to get up the ranks as well.

I am currently teaching close friends on SEO as well to be able to deal with any new requests coming in.
Recently even the big “G” aka Google contacted for a permanent full time position in the Search Engine Team.  I wouldn’t have taken it anyway as ProNet is our own company and the real passion for all of us who set it up.

Now if you just stumple across that post and feel that SEO is something that could help your business, please feel free to contact me.
For that purpose I set up a website:  http://www.top-of-search-engines.com/

Best,
Martin Voelk

ProNetExpert today released its new product services catalogue for autumn 2009.  What does that mean for our customers? The same great service you know and trust us for.

We have established a lot of new and exciting relationships over the last couple of months and all our customers will benefit from it.

Our new Cisco Support Services offerings are available for download in PDF format at the following link:
http://www.pronetexpert.com/cisco-consulting-training-services-offerings.html 

A few highlights of our Cisco Consultancy & Cisco Training offerings include:

>> Confirmed CCDE written & CCDE lab bootcamps in November 2009 in London. Unlike some competitors, our instructor is a fully certified CCDE and has years of teaching and hands-on experience

>> Great package deals on Cisco Consulting Services (onsite and 24/7 remote support)

>> Really cheap and brand new Cisco Hardware at conditions which are second to none

>> Tailored and bespoke Cisco Training Solutions on all Cisco Technologies. Not only do we povide on-site Cisco Training, we offer all our customized Cisco Training courses to be delivered remotely via WebEx

>> Multilingual Cisco Consultants & Cisco Trainers. We understand that engineers and instuctors in countries like France, Germany or Russia need to speak the local language fluently in addition to their Cisco knowledge. A fact often neglected by English speaking businesses. We have CCIE’s fluent in all major languages. 

 We have some other fantastic deals at the moment.
Contact sales-enquiry@pronetexpert.com or call +44 (0) 20-3287-0044 to find out more

Penetration Tests & IT Network Security Audits

Threat: Hackers attack both private and corporate systems on a daily basis. The attacker can be stationed anywhere in the world and needs just internet access and the appropriate tools. The threat is real and it happens thousands of times a day. Many attacks take place undetected and result in the theft and destruction of valuable data.

Solution: Penetration Tests and Network Security Audits. ProNetExpert will, with the legal permission of the network owner, attack customer systems in the same way as a Hacker. In doing so, ProNetExpert is able to expose security holes in the system.

Benefit: The customer is made aware of the Security holes that exist and could be exploited by a hacker with malicious intent to gain unauthorized access to the customer network. In addition, ProNetExpert will prepare a plan of action and, if the customer wishes, implement the closure of these holes.

Compliance & Government Best Practices

More and more governments define rules and frameworks around IT Network and Host Security. Customers dealing with sensitive data, such as government information, financial information (i.e. credit cards) and medical health records, must ensure their network and systems are compliant with government standards.

Solution: ProNetExpert will analyse the customer network and host systems, and formulate an action plan and Security Policy to assist the customer in becoming compliant with the rules and regulations of the country in question. ProNetExpert can then help the customer in implementing the necessary security appliances and protocols to ensure all compliance requirements are satisfied.

Benefit: Companies will meet government and/or financial security compliance standards, are protected from threats and, in the unlikely event of a security breach, the customer is protected from legal consequences as the compliance framework and Security Policies are in place.

IT & Network Security Training Courses & Workshops

Necessity: Security awareness amongst personnel operating and maintaining security equipment is a hugely important factor. Ongoing Security Training has become of increased concern to customers as they battle to defend themselves against digital threats.

Solution: ProNetExpert offers a variety of IT and Network Security Training Courses. Those courses include general IT Security training courses such as the Certified Ethical Hacker class, Penetration Testing class and IT Security awareness class. Additionally, ProNetExpert Offers Cisco authorized Security Classes on products such as Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, VPNs, Router & Switch Security, Host Intrusion Prevention Systems, Identity Management, Security Management and Wireless Security. All Cisco CCSP courses delivered by ProNetExpert are fully compliant to the US NSA Security standards 4011 and 4013, as well as to the US Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).

Benefit: Both end users and engineers are trained on the latest security standards and best practices to be able to operate and maintain secure IT Network Infrastructures.

Cyber Attacks and Cyber Warfare

Threat: Individuals, corporate companies and governments become are now a constant target of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, whereby a victim network or system is flooded with vast amounts of traffic in an attempt to bring it to a standstill and discontinue its legitimate use. Blackmailing is also a common practice - if funds are not paid to the criminal organizations in question, the services of the victim are taken offline. Likewise, unfriendly governments may launch Cyber attacks as described above, as a form of electronic Warfare. 

 Solution: ProNetExpert can work with customers and governments to design and implement appropriate systems that are capable of dealing with such attacks without compromising the services available. Furthermore, comprehensive Training can be provided to ensure users of these systems can harness their full defensive potential.

Benefit: Customers and governments are protected from DDoS attacks by having the appropriate defence systems in place.

Millions of users are targeted by fraudulent emails and websites daily. Criminals attempt to deceive users into disclosing personal and financial information.

Email & Website Content

Solution: ProNetExpert can provide expert consultancy on the latest Email and Web Filtering solutions in order to render malicious sites inaccessible for unsuspecting end-users, and to scan and delete Emails with malicious intent (Spam, Phishing, Virus Attachments etc.) Once again, Training can be provided by highly skilled instructors with extensive experience in these areas.

Benefit: Customers are protected from the danger presented by fraudulent Emails and websites.

Wireless & Voice over IP

Necessity: Voice over IP Communications and Wireless / Mobile Technologies are gaining more and more popularity. However, they also bring inherent Security risks if not secured appropriately. Standard Wireless and Voice over IP communications can easily be intercepted by malicious hackers, leading to the theft of highly sensitive and valuable information.

Solution: ProNetExpert can work with customers in securing both Voice over IP Networks and Wireless Infrastructures to meet the latest Security standards. Strong Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), encryption and authentication schemes can be implemented to guarantee Integrity, Confidentiality and Availability. Training Courses can also be provided.

Benefit: Customers can enjoy new technologies and use them to their fullest potential whilst guaranteeing the very highest levels of security.

IT Network Security Consulting

Many companies have security systems in place. However, often they are not configured to the latest Security best practices, nor used to their fullest extent.

Solution: ProNetExpert offers Security Consulting on all IT Network Security systems and solutions, such as: Firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems, Host Intrusion Prevention Systems, Access Control, Virtual Private Networks, Identity Management, and Security Management. Additionally, ProNetExpert delivers complete training on all technologies and systems.

Benefit: Customer Security equipment is designed, configured and maintained to the latest Security best practices, thus ensuring a secure and reliable infrastructures.