Wave rolls on with training

By ADAM GIFFORD

Hamilton-based Wave Internet says the purchase of its parent company Computer Systems Engineering (CSE) by Texas company Pavilion Technologies will not affect the roll out of its on-line training business.

Manager Wayne Attwell says there is already a lot of interest from Wave customers and users of other internet service providers in the courses, which are developed by United States-based Mind Learners.

"As an ISP we don't see dial-in revenues as a long-term source of revenue. It's being eroded now by competition from free internet providers," he says. "We're striving to add value to our network."

While the Pavilion deal led to Wave shelving plans to roll out on-line payroll and accounting packages on an application service provider basis, Pavilion is keen on the training thrust.

Mind Learners has been developing computer-based learning for 12 years. It has announced plans to list later in the year.

Wave is currently offering 427 modules in end-user desktop computing, home and small business computing, business skills development, technical MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) approved study guides, web development and general technical subjects.

The courses are self-paced and delivered through the internet via a normal web browser. "There's been a high uptake of technical courses. We expected the end-user courses would dominate - it's clear people realise the value for money they're getting," Mr Attwell says.

End-user courses cost from $119 plus GST per year, while technical courses are $235 a year.

While Wave is trying to win a far greater audience for the courses than its own subscriber base, subscribers are entitled to eight free courses.

Most of the Microsoft courses have received either the Microsoft approved study guide logo or the approved courseware user certification logo.

Mr Attwell says on-line training is convenient for people who want to learn something in their spare time or up-skill at home. It is also an alternative to traditional staff training, which might require travel, accommodation and training costs.

Meanwhile, Microsoft New Zealand has appointed Computer Press as local distributor for Microsoft Office user specialist (MOUS) certification exams. Previously US-based Nivo International serviced New Zealand.

Microsoft corporate marketing manager Ross Peat says many New Zealanders are expert users of Office and don't even realise it. "This is why we have created a local support system for the MOUS training program to help get people who are experts on the software the credibility they deserve," he says.

MOUS validates desktop computer skills using Microsoft Office applications. The program measures proficiency and aims to improve productivity and identify opportunities for skills enhancement.

Computer Press will provide local customer service, technical support to all participating authorised testing centres in New Zealand and a web site with MOUS news. It will also resell the MOUS exams to centres.