ACADEMIA

Classes for professionals cover security topics, SELinux and the Cloud 

Merit Network will host a number of classes this winter and spring that are open to members of the national educational community. Presented using either H.323 video or desktop classroom interface, these classes offer access to training on fundamental skills and important current topics. 

* February 7-8: "Hands-on Linux Security: Practical Tools and Methods" is an intensive, hands-on learning experience in how to assess and secure Linux platform infrastructures using current open-source tools. Taught in an Ann Arbor classroom by Dr. Charles Antonelli of the University of Michigan, the class is also available to a limited number of locations via H.323 video. Establishing a video classroom requires only that an organization have three or more participants and videoconferencing equipment. 

* March 8 and 15: "Hands-on SELinux: A Practical Introduction" covers the essentials of this important technology that adds mandatory access controls to the Linux kernel. The course is taught in two, three-hour evening (EST) sessions via Merit WebConnect, a desktop web conferencing system. Students can attend from any location with an Internet connection, engaging in lecture, discussion and directed lab sessions online. 

* April 18-19: "Hands-on Network Security: Practical Tools and Methods" focuses on key techniques and tools for protecting networks from attack. This course is also available in person in Ann Arbor or via H.323 video to a limited number of locations with three or more participants. 

* May 7-11: "Cloud Computing Essentials" is an online course on the fundamental concepts of cloud computing and the design and deployment of cloud computing platforms. This course will discuss the evolution of the cloud and its ability to increase processing power and bandwidth capabilities. Attendees will learn about the products and services offered commercially, along with the pros and cons of implementing a cloud strategy. The course may be taken from any location with an Internet connection. 

Elwood Downing, Vice President of Member Relations, Services and Communication at Merit, is pleased that Merit is able to offer these development opportunities for IT professionals nationwide. "These are excellent classes for enhancing the skills of technologists in education. Interactive video technology allows us to bring instruction to any location, and we hope our colleagues across the U.S. will choose to attend." 

The three security-focused classes are created and instructed by Dr. Charles J. Antonelli, High Performance Computing Consultant at the University of Michigan. The classes have their genesis in courses he developed to enhance the security skills of technologists at U-M. He has taught each class a number of times for Merit Member audiences, continuously updating the curriculum to keep pace with contemporary threats and countermeasures. 

"Charles Antonelli's courses have been very beneficial for Merit's Member organizations in several previous presentations," notes Downing. "We are pleased to open the opportunity to others from the educational community and to eliminate distance as a factor in limiting attendance." 

The cloud computing class on May 7-11 focuses on the key technologies that underlie cloud-based solutions. It will serve as an excellent introduction for technologists and IT managers investigating whether or not to use cloud services. 

The courses offer special pricing for educational institutions or for multiple registrants from single organizations. Registration and more information for all courses are available via the schedule at: 

http://www.merit.edu/learning