Novell announced two new innovative programs for Linux training designed to promote education around open source. Novell unveiled its "Train the Teacher" series, the industry's first free week-long boot camp for Linux educators. In addition, Novell is the first Linux vendor to partner with Thomson Course Technology, the world's leading technology education publishers, with the release of a series of new joint SUSE Linux Enterprise courseware offerings. As a result, students and teachers interested in Linux have compelling new options for building their expertise on the increasingly popular open source platform.

"With the growth of open source software, the demand for Linux education has been expanding rapidly," said Stephen Helba, executive editor for Thomson Course Technology. "We are pleased to work with Novell to provide high-quality training materials to meet the needs of students worldwide. The strength of Novell's training programs and expertise in courseware and testing development, combined with Thomson Course Technology's market-leading educational materials, give students in academic settings an incredible opportunity to learn Linux."

Novell and Thomson Course Technology have worked together to create three new SUSE Linux Enterprise textbooks, the first fruits of a unique co- authorship approach. Thomson has already reported tremendous demand for review copies from instructors across the country, surpassing expectations. Thomson has adapted Novell's existing SUSE Linux Enterprise courseware to the academic market by creating additional student labs and exercises, building instructor resources (slide decks, quiz/test banks), and developing online learning deliverables. The three SUSE Linux Enterprise textbooks range from a basic introduction to Linux to advanced Linux network administration.

To further expand Linux training options, Novell has launched a new "Train the Teacher" course. Available in 10 cities throughout North America, this training prepares academic instructors to teach Novell's introductory SUSE Linux Enterprise course. Novell will provide this training free of charge to instructors wishing to teach Linux who are enrolled in the Novell Academic Training Partner Program.

"The long-term success of open source depends on continuous learning among members of the community," said Dan Veitkus, vice president of training services at Novell. "Novell is strongly committed to strengthening the Linux education ecosystem, teaching the teachers and supplying academia with the best learning materials possible through Thomson Course Technology. The next few years will mark a dynamic and exciting time for open source growth, with Novell-educated innovators leading the way."