India is the first region in which the Linux Foundation will offer country-specific pricing on select training and certification products
The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of Linux and collaborative development, today announced the availability of country-specific pricing for its Essentials of System Administration course and Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator exam for individuals in India. Beginning today, individuals with an Indian issued credit card and address can register for a course plus exam bundle for an introductory rate of 5,000 Indian rupees (US$79).
Part of The Linux Foundation’s mission is to grow the Linux community and expand access for those who wish to become Linux professionals. To do so, the Foundation has launched a range of initiatives, including the free Intro to Linux course via edX; making certification exams available to take anywhere, anytime; providing the Essentials of System Administration course in Spanish and soon Portuguese; awarding scholarships for training courses to deserving individuals; and offering training and certifications at rates lower than those offered by traditional providers. However, in some areas around the world, additional programs are still needed to increase access to Linux learning materials.
India, for example, is second only to the United States in inquiries regarding Linux Foundation training and certification but ranks among the lowest in Linux certification exam enrollment. It is clear that this population of IT professionals sees the opportunities Linux training and certification present but have not been able to pursue these programs due to cost barriers. In recent years, India has ranked among some of the lowest countries in terms of median annual income (in 2013, it ranked at the 99th position among 131 countries). This is why it was chosen as the first location for region-specific pricing. In the coming months, additional regions will be considered for a similar program to help increase access to Linux learning materials to anyone who seeks to pursue a lucrative IT career.
“Linux and open source software are built on a philosophy of contribution and participation that is based on skills and desire, not whether or not you can afford to participate,” said Linux Foundation Executive Director Jim Zemlin. “Our role is to expand access, so as many individuals as possible can join the Linux community. This offering will serve as an entry point to a lucrative IT career with Linux to countless new professionals.”
Essentials of System Administration was chosen as the first course to receive subsidized pricing as it is foundational in the industry – after completion of this course and passing the certification exam, individuals will be qualified for an entry-level job as a Linux SysAdmin. Those who do not have any experience with Linux can begin with the free Intro to Linux course offered by The Linux Foundation and edX, then move onto this offering.
About The Linux Foundation
The Linux Foundation is a nonprofit consortium dedicated to fostering the growth of Linux and collaborative software development. Founded in 2000, the organization sponsors the work of Linux creator Linus Torvalds and promotes, protects and advances the Linux operating system and collaborative software development by marshaling the resources of its members and the open source community. The Linux Foundation provides a neutral forum for collaboration and education by hosting Collaborative Projects, Linux conferences including LinuxCon, and generating original research and content that advances the understanding of Linux and collaborative software development.
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