INE News & Updates

INE Appoints Dara Warn as Chief Executive Officer

(Cary, NC) – INE, a global leader in lab-centered Security, Cloud, and Networking training and certification, has appointed Dara Warn as Chief Executive Officer. Warn brings more than two decades of experience in building and scaling growth companies in the education technology sector, most recently as President, Career Learning at Penn Foster. Warn will assume responsibilities on October 3, 2022 and succeeds Richard McLain, who began serving the role in 2018. 

Since its founding in 2003, INE has provided alternative models to building the technology workforce of the future through asynchronous online courses and certifications, including lab applications for learners to practice their craft and for employers to validate the knowledge and skills gained. Over the last four years, INE has invested in its platform, expanding into cloud training and certification from a fundamental base to expert-level, cyber security awareness training solutions for employers, and adding an adaptive lab platform to its learning technology stack.  

“Employers need to know that their employees have the skills to do the job at hand. Given the pace of change and dynamism in the technology sector, training organizations need to continue to innovate and invest to support the training that professionals want and that employers demand, said Warn.  “I am excited to help INE build upon the foundation they have built and serve new markets and new customers with our innovative learning and delivery platform.”

While at Penn Foster, Warn orchestrated the launch of new upskilling programs across a range of high-demand occupations and forged partnerships with leading employers to create sustainable talent pipelines and paths to economic mobility.  

“Dara is a proven leader and strategist with strong growth focus,” said Brian Kelly, Senior Advisor with PSG Equity. “She brings an impressive track record of helping businesses grow and scale. We are confident that Dara will help us accelerate our commercial and product growth and execute on our strategy to be the partner of choice for technology organizations in building agile and resilient professionals who will adapt to the evolution in cloud, security and networking.”  

About INE: 

INE is the premier provider of lab-centered technical training and certification for Security, Cloud, and Networking industries. INE is revolutionizing the digital learning industry through the implementation of adaptive technologies and a proven method of hands-on training experiences. INE’s portfolio of training is built for levels of technical learning specializing in advanced networking technologies, next-generation security, and infrastructure programming and development.

INE Recognized as Summer 2022 Worldwide Leader & Enterprise High Performer by G2

INE, the global leader in IT training, has been recognized as a worldwide industry leader by G2, the world’s largest tech marketplace. The recognition highlights INE’s high performance in Enterprise and Small Business categories, both in the US and abroad. 

For more than two decades, INE has been a trusted training partner to Fortune 500 companies around the world. Using proven hands-on training methods, INE continues to revolutionize the Information Technology training sector. INE’s robust learning catalog includes an industry-leading suite of cloud-based hands-on labs designed to propel security teams into real world scenarios without risk to their infrastructure, along with 18,000+ on-demand videos across Cyber Security, Cloud, Networking, Data Science and DevOps, study guides, quizzes, projects, workbooks, and industry-leading certifications, including the newly released INE Certified Cloud Associate. 

G2 has awarded INE the Summer 2022 Leader distinction in Small-Business Online Course Providers, and overall Online Course Providers. In addition, G2 has named INE a 2022 High Performer in the categories of Enterprise Online Course Providers, Enterprise Technical Skills Development, Small-Business Technical Skills Development, Asia Online Course Providers, Asia Pacific Online Course Providers, Europe Online Course Providers, and Technical Course Providers. In achieving these awards, INE has proven to be highly rated by G2 users and has substantial Satisfaction and Market Presence scores within the platform.

INE was recently named an SC Media Excellence Award Finalist for Best Certification Program and Best IT Security-Related Training Program. Now in its 25th year, the SC Awards are cyber security’s most prestigious and competitive program. Finalists are recognized for outstanding solutions, organizations, and people driving innovation and success in information security. INE has also been recognized by Training Industry as a 2022 Watch List Company for Learning Services and Custom Content Development. The annual lists are designed to help buy-side organizations in their search for the right training partners. 

“INE is a proud training partner with some of the most accomplished companies in the world, and we are proud of our ongoing success in maintaining the confidence of business leaders charged with keeping their companies on the leading edge of technology,” said Richard McLain, INE’s CEO. “As one of the fastest-growing IT companies in the industry, we are honored to be recognized as leaders in the space.” 

About INE: 

INE is the premier provider of Technical Training for the IT industry. INE is revolutionizing the digital learning industry through the implementation of adaptive technologies and a proven method of hands-on training experiences. INE’s portfolio of training is built for levels of technical learning specializing in advanced networking technologies, next-generation security, and infrastructure programming and development.

About G2

More than 3 million people visit G2.com to read and write authentic reviews about thousands of software products and professional services. So far, G2 has published over 1 million reviews and over 5 million visitors are helping millions of businesses make better buying decisions – and reach their full potential.

Contact:

Kathryn Brown

INE

kbrown@ine.com

917-715-0911

INE Selected as 2022 SC Media Excellence Award Finalist, Recognized by Training Industry

INE, the global leader in IT training, has been selected as an SC Media Excellence Award Finalist for Best Certification Program and Best IT Security-Related Training Program. Now in its 25th year, the SC Awards are cyber security’s most prestigious and competitive program. Finalists are recognized for outstanding solutions, organizations, and people driving innovation and success in information security.

“INE and other Excellence award finalists reflect astonishing levels of innovation across the information security industry, and underscore vendor resilience and responsiveness to a rapidly evolving threat landscape,” said Jill Aitoro, Senior Vice President of Content Strategy at CyberRisk Alliance. “We are so proud to recognize leading products, people, and companies through a trusted program that continues to attract both new entrants and industry mainstays that come back year after year.”  

For more than two decades, INE has been a trusted training partner to Fortune 500 companies around the world. Using proven hands-on training methods, INE continues to revolutionize the Information Technology training sector. INE’s robust learning catalog includes an industry-leading suite of hands-on labs, 23,000+ on-demand videos across Cyber Security, Cloud, Networking, Data Science, and DevOps, as well as study guides, quizzes, projects, workbooks, and industry-leading certifications, including the newly released INE Certified Cloud Associate. 

The 2022 SC Awards were the most competitive to date, with a record 800 entries received across 38 categories - a 21% increase from 2021. This year, SC Awards expanded its recognition program to include several new award categories that reflect the shifting dynamics and emerging industry trends. Entries for the SC Awards were judged by a world-class panel of industry leaders, from sectors including healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, consulting, and education, among others. 

Winners will be announced during SC Awards week, scheduled to begin on August 22, 2022. A Meet the Winners networking reception celebration will take place during InfoSec World 2022, taking place September 27 in Orlando, Florida. 

INE has also been recognized by Training Industry as a 2022 Watch List Company for Learning Services and Custom Content Development. The annual lists are designed to help buy-side organizations in their search for the right training partners. Selection is based on criteria including breadth and quality of services offered, industry visibility, innovation and impact in the market, client representation, and business performance and growth. Watch List companies represent organizations with emerging or unique strengths and capabilities.

“The emerging companies chosen for our Custom Content Development Watch List create a learning environment with their comprehensive solutions to align with business objectives,” said Tom Whelan, director of corporate research at Training Industry, Inc. “These companies create this learning environment through developing engaging content with the latest learning technologies in gamification, eLearning and virtual training.”

“We are honored to be recognized as industry leaders by the most prestigious organizations in the IT community,” said INE’s CEO Richard McLain. “We continue to be one of the fastest-growing IT training companies in the industry, and we are proud to have the confidence of business leaders around the world.”

About INE: 

INE is the premier provider of Technical Training for the IT industry. INE is revolutionizing the digital learning industry through the implementation of adaptive technologies and a proven method of hands-on training experiences. INE’s portfolio of training is built for levels of technical learning specializing in advanced networking technologies, next-generation security, and infrastructure programming and development.

About CyberRisk Alliance:

CyberRisk Alliance (CRA) is a business intelligence company serving the high growth, rapidly evolving cybersecurity community with a diversified portfolio of services that inform, educate, build community, and inspire an efficient marketplace. Our trusted information leverages a unique network of journalists, analysts and influencers, policymakers, and practitioners. CRA’s brands include SC Media, SecurityWeekly, ChannelE2E, MSSP Alert, InfoSec World, Identiverse, Cybersecurity Collaboration Forum, its research unit CRA Business Intelligence, and the peer-to-peer CISO membership network, Cybersecurity Collaborative. Click here to learn more. 

About Training Industry:

Training Industry is the most trusted source of information on the business of learning. Their goal is to provide the information, insights, and resources needed to more effectively manage the business of learning. Training Industry serves as an expert resource for learning professionals seeking information about best practices and innovative approaches and creates an environment for trust and information-sharing among learning professionals, including those in the learning and development function, and experts from companies serving the training industry.

Contact:

Kathryn Brown

INE

kbrown@ine.com

917-715-0911

INE Teams Up With BlackGirlsHack to Broaden Access and Lower Barriers to Tech

(Cary, NC) INE, the global leader in online technical training, is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with BlackGirlsHack, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to providing cyber-related skills, mentoring, and low-cost training to help Black girls and women break through barriers to careers in tech. As part of its commitment, INE will donate free and discounted Premium training memberships to the Black Girls Hack Foundation for use in its community. 

Women have historically been underrepresented in the tech industry and currently make up 28.8% of the tech workforce, according to a recent study by the AnitaB Institute. While the percentage of women in tech has risen steadily from 25.9% in 2018 and 26.2% in 2019, there is still much work to do. 

“At BlackGirlsHack, we are passionate about reducing the financial barriers to entry for cyber security and we are thrilled that INE is donating free and discounted premium memberships moving forward,” said Tennisha Martin, the organization’s founder and Executive Director. “INE stands out amongst other ethical hacking certification bodies as it provides hands-on labs and free training for its entry-level junior penetration testing (eJPT) certification. We can’t wait to start flooding the job market with certified penetration testers, and we are excited to see the impact to the greater IT community as the eJPT and Certified Professional Penetration Tester certifications become a leader in the hands-on certified penetration tester space.”

“INE is deeply committed to amplifying the voices of women of color in IT and increasing opportunities for women and minorities,” said INE’s CEO Richard McLain. “We are proud to partner with BlackGirlsHack to help make the worlds leading cyber security training more accessible.”

You can learn more about the partnership and how to get involved here. 

About INE: 

INE is the premier provider of Technical Training for the IT industry. INE is revolutionizing the digital learning industry by implementing adaptive technologies and a proven method of hands-on training experiences. INE’s training portfolio is built for levels of technical learning specializing in advanced networking technologies, next-generation security and infrastructure programming, and development.

INE Releases First Industry Certification

(Cary, NC) Global IT training firm INE is releasing the first in a series of industry-leading new cloud certifications. The INE Certified Cloud Associate (ICCA) certification is designed to give students access to the tools they need to expertly prepare for and excel as a Cloud professional. 

The demand for qualified Cloud professionals is hotter than ever, and businesses are willing to pay lucrative salaries to those who meet standards of excellence. Research conducted by INE shows the average annual salary of a Cloud Architect in the U.S. is $153,318, and the cost of recruiting a qualified candidate is upwards of $30,000. As Cloud grows more critical to business infrastructure, it is crucial to have qualified experts filling those roles. INE certificates – starting with the ICCA – will allow individuals and corporations to scale the skill sets essential to driving future growth. INE has a long history of preparing students to pass existing Cloud industry certifications and is now taking the next step by creating its own certifications, based on years of research, instruction, and professional expertise.  

 The ICCA consists of a multi-cloud approach, with a hands-on assessment unlike any other Cloud certification in existence. This certification is specifically geared toward helping students begin their journey to becoming a Cloud expert. With more than 10 hours of course material and lab environments to help students build a foundation for Cloud knowledge, the ICCA allows students to test their mastery of fundamental Cloud skills through an expertly designed multiple-choice exam and hands-on exercises. The release of this certification is yet another step INE is taking toward breaking down barriers for entry into the new, emerging Cloud opportunities that exist in the IT ecosystem. 

“Our goal is to provide a real-world hands-on certification focused on practical application across multiple cloud vendors,” says Richard McLain, INE’s Chief Executive Officer. “ We want employers to know that if someone has an INE certification, they are ready for the role and have experience on these platforms.”

“With the acquisition of eLEarnSecurity two years ago, we were excited to dip our toes into the ocean of certifications, and the community support for those certifications has been phenomenal,” says INE’s Chief Content Officer Neal Bridges. “We have seen a massive adoption of our cybersecurity certifications as we’ve begun to partner with recruiting organizations and HR teams around the world. We already have industry support for the ICCA, and we are confident it and future INE certifications will be widely adopted and viewed as top-tier certifications.”

You can learn more about the ICCA here. 

About INE: 

INE is the premier provider of online technical training for the IT industry. Harnessing the world's most powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, global video distribution network, and world-class expert instructors, INE is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide, and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE’s suite of learning paths offers an incomparable depth of expertise across cyber security, cloud, networking, and data science. INE is committed to delivering the most advanced technical training on the planet, while also lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in an IT career.

INE Honored as 3X Cybersecurity Excellence Award Winner

(Cary, NC) INE, the global leader in online technical skills training, is proud to announce it has been selected as three-time winners of the 2022 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards. The Cybersecurity Excellence Awards recognize companies, products, and professionals that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and leadership in information security. The winners are selected based on the strength of their nomination, which includes detailed information on platform technology and key industry differentiators. 

INE is being honored as a 2022 Gold recipient of Best Cybersecurity Training Provider, based on a potent combination of a cutting-edge, cloud-based and hands-on lab environment with a world-class instructor roster and relentless pursuit of excellence in the form of numerous acquisitions that provide clients with the most comprehensive and real-world-scenario-based learning experience.

INE’s Chief Executive Officer Richard McLain is being recognized as the 2022 Gold recipient of Cybersecurity Executive of the Year. During his tenure as CEO, Richard has proven to be a visionary leader, spearheading numerous strategic acquisitions and growing the company’s profits, customer base, and renewing revenue substantially, while maintaining a commitment to lowering barriers to technical education and increasing access for international students. “INE is where we are today because of the incredible team we have on staff, and I am proud every day to be in a position to work alongside them to create an incredible learning experience for students, who strive to become the next generations of experts in this industry."

INE is also being honored as a 2022 Silver recipient of Best Cybersecurity Education Provider. Nominees in this category are recognized for innovative and technologically forward-thinking platforms, and INE is proud to be at the top of the class. 

“We congratulate INE for the recognition as Gold and Silver winners in the 2022 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards,” said Holger Schulze, CEO of Cybersecurity Insiders and founder of the 500,000-member Information Security Community group on LinkedIn which organizes the 7th annual Cybersecurity Excellence Awards. “With over 900 entries in more than 250 award categories, the 2022 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards program is highly competitive. The winners reflect the very best in innovation and excellence in tackling today’s urgent cybersecurity challenges.”
About INE: 

INE is the premier provider of online technical training for the IT industry. Harnessing the world's most powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, global video distribution network, and world-class expert instructors, INE is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide, and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE’s suite of learning paths offer an incomparable depth of expertise across cyber security, cloud, networking, and data science. INE is committed to delivering the most advanced technical training on the planet, while also lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in an IT career.

INE Acquires CloudSkills.io to Enhance Real-World Cloud Training

INE, the global leader in Information Technology training, announced today it has acquired CloudSkills.io, an immersive cloud consulting and training firm, widely praised by users for its highly skilled instructors, practical projects, and deep learning across the cloud sector. The addition of CloudSkills.io will augment the hands-on, practical training INE is known for with more than 200 hours of cloud content. This joining of forces will also help supercharge the cloud training industry at a time when businesses are grappling with a growing dependence on cloud and a massive skills gap.

INE recently revamped its training platform to include more than 2,200 cloud-based, hands-on labs in a move that is already accelerating the creation of more challenging, scenario-based training tools. By integrating CloudSkills.io into the platform, INE is doubling down on its commitment to redefine what it means to be a cloud professional. This includes the addition of new cloud course material and labs.  

“Real-world training is absolutely critical for businesses to ensure their valuable data is being safely stored and protected. This type of hands-on training is the foundation of CloudSkills.io, and has been a mainstay of INE’s training for decades,” said Richard McLain, INE’s CEO. “By bringing CloudSkills.io into the INE fold, we are accelerating our commitment to think beyond industry limits and create new opportunities in cloud training. The training we can now offer business teams and students is the best in the world – period.”

The demand for expert cloud professionals is growing by the day, and CloudSkills.io has established its global leadership in the training and consulting space, by blending learning experiences, coaching, consulting, advisory services, and custom workshops. INE is moving quickly to incorporate the additional Cloud and DevOps courses, ranging from beginner to advanced in AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and Docker, into its current suite of robust course offerings along with projects and bootcamps.

“When I started CloudSkills I knew we’d be facing a huge challenge trying to redefine the way the world experiences cloud training and education,” said Mike Pfeiffer, founder and CEO of CloudSkills.io. “Now that CloudSkills has joined the INE family, I genuinely believe we have everything we need as an organization to make it happen.” 

Pfeiffer founded CloudSkills.io in 2016. He has spent more than twenty years in the IT industry and recently worked as an engineer and cloud architect for Microsoft and Amazon Web Services. He has written six books, created more than 35 courses, produced more than 120 podcasts for CloudSkills.fm, and has trained more than a half-million students throughout his career.

Mike Pfeiffer and Richard McLain will be available to speak more about the acquisition and answer audience questions during an INE Live stream which will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 1:00 pm EST. The live stream will be available on social media channels including LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitch, Twitter, and YouTube. 

About INE: 

INE is the premier provider of Technical Training for the IT industry. INE is revolutionizing the digital learning industry through the implementation of adaptive technologies and a proven method of hands-on training experiences. INE’s portfolio of training is built for levels of technical learning specializing in advanced networking technologies, next-generation security and infrastructure programming, and development.

Teacher, Mentor, Master: “World’s Youngest Engineer” Named CCIE Lifetime Emeritus

Fewer than one percent of networking professionals in the world achieve the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification. So consider Brian McGahan, who has earned four of them, a bona fide genius in the field. Today, Brian marks the 20th anniversary of passing the CCIE Routing and Switching Exam, and in doing so, earns the rarified status of CCIE Lifetime Emeritus tenure. 

“I literally cried tears of joy when I got that first email that said ‘Congratulations on passing the CCIE Lab Exam,’” Brian recalls with a smile. He’s had plenty to smile about since. 

Brian McGahan’s journey began as a teenager growing up in south suburban Chicago, studying Computer Science with little enthusiasm and working in desktop support. After stumbling on a local magazine ad offering $120,000 salaries for CCIE certified applicants, McGahan quickly shifted gears. “At the time I had never even heard of CCIE, but after a little research, I was hooked,” he says. 

Brian set his eyes on becoming the youngest CCIE in the world, dropping out of university, and throwing himself into studies at a local community college. At the age of 20, he achieved this goal, locking in his first CCIE as #8953 in January of 2002. 

“I took my dad with me to the exam site in North Carolina, not for moral support, but because I was too young to rent a car at the time,” Brian remembers. 

Although the CCIE is the pinnacle of many networking careers, for Brian McGahan, it was only the beginning. Over the next decade, he would earn CCIEs in Service Provider (2006), Security (2007), and Data Center (2013), along with his CCDE (2013). 

While achieving these milestones, Brian co-founded INE, quickly growing it into a global leader in the rigorous landscape of self-paced and instructor-led CCIE training. As an instructor, guide, and mentor, Brian has helped thousands of students achieve their own networking goals through an extraordinary ability to break down the most challenging topics into bite-sized nuggets of information.

The CCIE is Cisco’s most prestigious certification, notorious for its rigorous combination of written qualification exams and eight-hour hands-on labs. It requires a deep understanding of networking technologies and typically requires several years of industry experience. As a CCIE Lifetime Emeritus, Brian is recognized for his technical proficiency and long-term status within the program and is permitted to participate in discussion forums, blogs, groups, etc., as an Emeritus. In addition, his CCIE number is maintained and is now classified as Emeritus status. 

Brian has been with INE for 18 years and is currently the Director of Networking Content.


“Brian McGahan is in a class of his own,” says INE’s CEO Richard McLain. “His knowledge, expertise, and ability to transfer that knowledge to students is incomparable. I can’t remember a time when Brian didn’t drop everything to help a student solve a problem or figure out a solution. It is a privilege to work with him each day.” 

INE Live will host a special stream Friday, January 7 at 1:00pm EST featuring a conversation with Brian McGahan. He’ll share his journey, lessons learned, and advice for others in the live stream, which will be shared on INE Live, as well as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitch, Twitter, and YouTube. 

About INE: 

INE is the premier provider of online technical training for the IT industry. Harnessing the world's most powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, global video distribution network, and world-class expert instructors, INE is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide, and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE’s suite of learning paths offer an incomparable depth of expertise across cyber security, cloud, networking, and data science. INE is committed to delivering the most advanced technical training on the planet, while also lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in an IT career.

INE Acquires Pentester Academy to Enhance Comprehensive IT Training Solutions

(Cary, NC) INE, the global leader in the Information Technology training sector, announced today it has acquired Pentester Academy, a cloud-based hands-on lab platform that will accelerate the creation of more challenging, scenario-based training tools across Cyber Security, Networking, Data Science, Cloud, and DevOps.

“Enterprise teams around the world depend on INE to deliver dynamic, innovative training. With the acquisition of Pentester Academy, we are supercharging that experience by opening the door to a virtual arcade of game-changing interactive labs across Cyber Security, Cloud, Networking, and DevOps,” said INE’s CEO Richard McLain. “The cloud-based labs are cutting-edge, competitive, immersive, and unlike anything on the market. Harnessing the power of these tools, in combination with INE’s industry-leading training platform, will unlock a new type of hands-on learning experience that is highly engaging, extremely effective, and immensely practical. With a single click, you can be placed in control of a large-scale corporate network and tasked to defend it from real-time attacks all from within your browser. Simply put, it’s game-changing.”

Pentester Academy’s platform includes a cache of 2,200+ hands-on labs, 1,500+ HD videos, and bootcamps. These will be offered in tandem with INE’s robust suite of course offerings, which includes 18,000+ on-demand videos across Cyber Security, Cloud, Networking, Data Science, and DevOps, as well as study guides, quizzes, projects, workbooks, hands-on labs, and industry-leading certifications. Together, the strategically combined solutions will allow students from both platforms and all skill sets to continue accelerating their IT careers.

Pentester Academy was founded by Vivek Ramachandran, a renowned cybersecurity expert, best known for his contributions to wireless security attacks, including the Caffe-Latte attack. Vivek is the author of multiple cybersecurity books and a regular speaker-trainer at top security conferences like Blackhat USA and DEFCON. He currently serves as a Microsoft Regional Director for Cybersecurity, an honorary role, which recognizes the world's top technology visionaries for their proven cross-platform technical expertise, community leadership, and commitment to business results. Vivek graduated from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, and has published peer-reviewed research papers in the IEEE press and LNCS proceedings.

“We have spent the last decade building Pentester Academy into a pioneer of online Cyber Security training,” said Ramachandran. “ I have long been an admirer of INE, so it is the natural partner for us as we look to continue training students around the world in fresh, new ways. The next-generation lab platform we’ve created is expertly designed to propel students beyond the theoretical to a realistic learning environment. Challenging the industry to think differently and push past limitations is a shared founding principle of Pentester Academy and INE. I am thrilled to join the INE family, and will maintain an active role in building a strong partnership so that our students can access the best training tools possible.

INE Recognized as 2021 Best-in-Class Leader by NC TECH and G2

(Cary, NC) – INE, the global leader in IT training, has been selected as a finalist for the NC TECH Awards Best Tech Company To Work For award, and has been recognized as an industry leader by G2, the world’s largest tech marketplace. The NC TECH Awards is North Carolina's only statewide technology awards program that recognizes innovation, growth and leadership in the tech sector and is presented by the NC TECH (North Carolina Technology Association). 

For more than two decades, INE has been revolutionizing the Information Technology training sector through proven hands-on training methods. INE’s robust learning catalog includes 18,000+ on-demand videos across Cyber Security, Cloud, Networking, Data Science and DevOps, as well as study guides, quizzes, projects, workbooks, hands-on labs, and industry-leading certifications, including the newly released certifications for Cloud Fundamentals, AWS, and Azure. 

“For over 20 years, NC TECH has celebrated companies, organizations and individuals for outstanding achievement at the NC TECH Awards. As a finalist this year, INE has distinguished itself as one of the state’s innovative and emergent leaders,” stated Brooks Raiford, NC TECH’s President and CEO.

G2 has awarded INE the Fall 2021 Leader distinction in both Technical Skills Development and Online Course Providers, and Asia Pacific Online Course Providers. In achieving these awards, INE has proven to be highly rated by G2 users and has substantial Satisfaction and Market Presence scores within the platform

“I’m so proud of the contribution INE makes to the success of businesses and students every day,” said INE’s CEO Richard McLain. “Breaking down barriers to make quality IT training accessible to more people is at the core of our mission. The INE team is the best in the business, and I look for opportunities to show my appreciation for all they do.” 

About INE: 

INE is the premier provider of Technical Training for the IT industry. INE is revolutionizing the digital learning industry through the implementation of adaptive technologies and a proven method of hands-on training experiences. INE’s portfolio of training is built for levels of technical learning specializing in advanced networking technologies, next-generation security, and infrastructure programming and development.

About NC TECH:

NC TECH is a not-for-profit, membership-driven trade association and the primary voice of the technology industry in North Carolina. NC TECH’s mission is to foster growth and champion innovation in North Carolina’s tech sector, while providing a voice for the tech community. NC TECH’s membership includes 600 member companies, organizations and institutions employing more than 200,000 workers in North Carolina. For more information, visit nctech.org. 

About G2

More than 3 million people visit G2.com to read and write authentic reviews about thousands of software products and professional services. So far, G2 has published over 1 million reviews and over 5 million visitors are helping millions of businesses make better buying decisions – and reach their full potential.

“INE Live” Goes Live with Interactive, Multi-Platform Video Streaming Feature

(Cary, NC) The wait is over, and global tech training firm INE is thrilled to officially launch INE Live! INE Live is an engaging and interactive new online feature, free to all, and expertly designed to connect clients and students directly with INE’s world-renowned experts, instructors, and executive leadership team. From live Q&A sessions to breaking news streams, INE Live is designed to keep you engaged, and in the know in a way that’s free and easily accessible across platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, Twitch, and INE.com.

As a company, INE has long been committed to breaking down barriers to education and eliminating the ineffective practice of passive learning. Streams will cover current industry topics and trends, as well as live content from the INE team and some of the biggest names in the industry. No longer will users be required to sign up for webinars and hand over their valuable personal information. Instead, INE Live is designed with simplicity in mind, to engage with you directly. You’ll be given the opportunity to ask your burning questions and hear directly from those who can best answer them. And when major news breaks in the IT and digital world, INE’s experts will be ready to fire up the stream and discuss the broader implications.

“With INE Live, you will have a direct line of communication with our instructors as they guide you through discussions on networking, cyber security, cloud, and devOps with real-time interaction,” said INE’s Chief Executive Officer Richard McLain. “Each presentation will include an in-depth perspective on the industry and how it correlates to specific job roles.”

INE Live kicks off Tuesday, September 7th with the launch of “Tech Tuesdays,” a weekly live stream featuring industry experts designed to keep you at the top of your IT game. As part of the introductory stream, you’ll hear from INE’s Chief Content Officer Neal Bridges, Director of Networking Content Brian McGahan, Director of Cyber Security Content Jack Reedy, and Director of Public Relations Kathryn Brown. During our kickoff event, we will take a deep dive into what you can expect from INE Live while giving you a sneak peek at what’s to come. This one-hour session will begin at 1:00 p.m. EDT and will be streamed via INE Live to platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, Twitch, and INE.com.

Keep an eye out for announcements of our future weekly INE Live sessions and be sure to join us for the kickoff stream on September 7! If you’re unable to attend, don’t worry! A recording will be made available on the INE Live webpage at the conclusion of the stream.

About INE:

INE is the premier provider of Technical Training for the IT industry. INE is revolutionizing the digital learning industry through the implementation of adaptive technologies and a proven method of hands-on training experiences. INE’s portfolio of training is built for levels of technical learning specializing in advanced networking technologies, next-generation security, and infrastructure programming and development.

INE Named a Top Influential IT Networking Company by Triangle Business Journal

2021 “Book of Lists” Includes INE among Top IT Networking Companies in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill

(Cary, NC) INE, a leading global provider of technical training for the IT industry, today announced it is being recognized as one of the largest and most influential IT Networking Companies in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. The designation is part of the 2021 “Book of Lists” compiled by the Triangle Business Journal and American City Business Journals, which report business news across 43 U.S. cities and receive more than 3.6 million readers per week.

“The List” is a weekly report compiled by research teams across 40 newsrooms that offers a deep look at the largest and most influential players in the industry sectors that define local economies. “The List” of IT Networking Companies in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill includes 12 locally-based companies. Criteria for recognition is comprehensive and holistic, including the number of employees, primary services offered, and local executive leaders. 

“INE is growing at an astounding pace, and this type of recognition by prominent news organizations like the Triangle Business Journal reflects the company’s great success during an incredibly challenging time,” said Richard McLain, Chief Executive Office of INE. “Our mission is and always will be to provde the best IT training on earth to the most people possible, and to lower barriers of entry into the tech industry to the best of our ability. We have the most dedicated team on the planet here at INE, and we are constantly reminded of that by the feedback we receive from our business clients and students.”

“With its list research, Triangle Business Journal offers its readers a chance to explore the largest businesses in their respective fields,” said Triangle Business Journal spokesperson Cameron Snipes. “The IT Networking Companies list is just one of the nearly 100 industry research lists compiled by the TBJ each year. The aim of this list, just like the others, is to show our readers who the largest players are in that specific space.”

You can learn about INE’s training platform, the Fortune 100 companies that trust INE with their security, and how to become an Enterprise training partner here.

INE Launches Interactive New Tech Community and INE Live! Streaming Platform

Leading global tech training firm INE is launching two new ventures as part of redefINE 2021, its inaugural keynote event. The new experiences are designed to give students greater access to expert instructors, and more opportunities to engage with others in the tech industry. INE leadership recognizes the importance of community interaction among industry professionals, as technology continues to evolve, change, and intersect. The new tools, INE Community and INE Live!, will allow students to more easily connect with other experts and students in the industry, and share their knowledge, struggles, challenges, and solutions.

INE Community is a dedicated online space to interact with one another, designed exclusively for INE students. On the INE Community, students now have access to expert instructors in cyber security, data science, cloud and networking. Whether a student or IT professional encounters a problem they need help with, or wants to share a unique solution to a challenge, INE Community is a place where they can find guidance, expertise, and insight. It is taking the top-notch learning experience delivered by INE instructors to the next level, allowing students to easily and efficiently communicate with one another anytime they want.

INE Live! is a unique online streaming platform that will deliver content to wherever you are, on whatever platform you choose. It will allow viewers to watch constantly updated -- and often live -- content from the INE team and featured guests. INE Live! is replacing the traditional and outdated method of hosting “webinars” that require users to sign up and hand over their information with a much easier and freely accessible way to view content. INE Live! will have a regular schedule, and specific times when instructors, content directors, and INE’s executive leadership team will be available for an interactive chat. And when major news breaks in the IT and digital world, INE’s experts will be ready to fire up the stream and discuss the broader implications.

Through INE Community and INE Live!, students will have more access to experts and peers than ever before. You can access INE Community now at https://community.ine.com/. INE Live! officially launches in the coming weeks. Follow INE on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram for details and updates.

INE Announces Five New Professional Certifications

(Cary, NC) - Global IT training firm INE is announcing the creation of five new Cloud industry certifications as part of its keynote RedefINE 2021 event. The certifications are designed to expertly prepare students and companies alike to enter and excel in cloud computing. The demand for qualified Cloud professionals is hotter than ever, and businesses are willing to pay lucrative salaries to those who meet standards of excellence. INE research shows the average annual salary of a Cloud Developer in the US is $117,000, and the cost of recruiting a qualified candidate is upward of $30,000 As cloud grows more critical to business infrastructure, it is more important than ever to have qualified experts filling those roles, and INE certificates will provide both individuals and corporations with the ability to scale the skillsets driving future growth. INE has a long history of preparing students to pass existing cloud industry certifications, and is now taking the next step by creating its own certifications, based on years of research, instruction, and professional expertise.  

The first certification, INE Cloud Fundamentals, will be released by the end of June, making it the first hands-on cloud fundamentals certification on the market. Additionally, it will be the first INE-generated cloud certification, and is comprised of a groundbreaking multi-vendor approach, with a hands-on assessment that is unlike any other cloud certification in existence. This certification is specifically geared toward helping professionals of all skill levels become proficient in the minimum requirements to be successful in the cloud industry. It is yet another step INE is taking toward breaking down barriers for entry into the new, emerging cloud opportunities that exist in the IT ecosystem.

"No other comprehensive suite of cloud certifications on the market is hands-on. Ours will be," says Neal Bridges, INE's Chief Content Officer. "Through years of instruction, we have pinpointed gaps in the actual, practical execution of cloud architects. We feel we can better prepare students for a successful career by creating a cloud certification that is reflective of what they will encounter in the real world."

The new INE certifications will cover Azure, AWS, Multi-cloud and Hybrid-cloud areas. They will put businesses in a better position to protect their assets as well, by being assured that professionals who have passed INE Cloud Foundations, as well as subsequent INE certifications, are expertly prepared and trained with hands-on methods, and will be able to apply their knowledge instantly upon passing the certification.

"With the acquisition of eLearnSecurity two years ago, we were excited to dip our toes into the ocean of certifications, and the community support for those certifications has been phenomenal," says Bridges. "We have seen a massive adoption of our cybersecurity certifications as we've begun to partner with recruiting organizations and HR teams around the world. We already have industry support for the new INE certifications, and we are confident they will be widely adopted and viewed as top-tier certifications."

INE will provide specific details regarding the new certifications in the coming weeks and months. You can find more information about INE and the exciting RedefINE 2021 event here.

About INE:
INE is the premier provider of Technical Training for the IT industry. INE is revolutionizing the digital learning industry through the implementation of adaptive technologies and a proven method of hands on training experiences. INE's portfolio of training is built for levels of technical learning specializing in advanced networking technologies, next generation security and infrastructure programming and development.

INE Hosts 2021 Cloud Week

Celebrate All Things Cloud with a Week of Webinars, Giveaways and more!

(Cary, NC) Every day, an estimated 2.5 quintillion bytes of fresh data and growing are unloaded on the universe, making the storage, accessibility, analysis, and protection of these data one of the most critical challenges in Information Technology. Beginning April 12, 2021, INE, the premier provider of technical training for the IT industry, is hosting a full week of free special events, exclusive videos and focused content designed to rev up your Cloud computing journey, and ultimately provide you with guidance on how to both jumpstart your career and plan for your company’s future needs in this increasingly important space.  

INE’s Cloud Week will feature a series of engaging and thought-provoking discussions, streamed online via webinars and livestreams. Join INE’s Director of Cloud Training Content Tracy Wallace, INE’s Chief Content Officer Neal Bridges, INE Cyber Security Instructor and co-author of “The Pentester’s Blueprint” Phillip Wylie, Cloud Hacker Jon Helmus, INE’s newest AWS Instructor Brooks Seahorn and other special guests for interactive webinars focused on cloud career paths, cloud security concerns, cloud pentesting, and best practices for integrating AWS well architected framework concepts. Neal Bridges will host a special episode of his popular Twitch stream Cyber Insecurity for an in-depth, interactive discussion on emerging technologies and trends within cloud. The week will wrap up Friday with back-to-back live Q&A sessions focused on Azure and AWS, providing all attendees with an opportunity to ask probing questions of some of the industry’s top experts. 

Participants who attend any live webinars on Monday, Thursday or Friday will be entered to win exclusive giveaways including a 1 year Premium INE subscription and eLearnSecurity certification exam vouchers. Participants receive one entry for each live event they attend. 

For a full schedule of INE’s exciting Cloud Week, visit our website.

INE Expands Cyber Security Training Platform, Hires Four High-Profile Instructors

(Cary, NC) INE, the premier provider of technical training for the IT industry, is expanding its robust Cyber Security training platform to include four new instructors. Jason Alvarado, Megan Daudelin, Christopher Leach and Phillip Wylie bring new expertise to INE’s staff of industry veterans. Over the next few months, they will be focused on producing and releasing brand new cyber content to add to INE’s catalog of in-depth, hands-on training courses. “I am so proud to add Jason, Megan, Christopher and Phillip to the ranks here at INE,” says Chief Content Officer Neal Bridges. “They have unique areas of expertise, and are going to bring tremendous knowledge and value to our students. As the world continues to grow more reliant on digital technologies, INE remains committed to investing in the best resources and experts to help you become an expert.”

Jason Alvarado

joins INE as a Cyber Defense and Threat Hunting Instructor. He has more than 2 decades of Information Technology experience, which includes management of a Security Operations Center (SOC) and performing Incident Response for Fortune 100 companies. Jason also spent 5 years as a Police Officer in the Denver area. After leaving the police force, Jason put his IT experience together with his investigating experience and began exploring Digital Forensics. He is a GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst, Certified SNYPR Security Analyst, Certified SNYPR Content Developer, Accredited Configuration Engineer PAN-OS Version 7, A+ CompTIA and a Licensed Private Investigator. Jason is also a Digital Forensics, Information Assurance and Cyber Security professor at Richland College. “Throughout my career I’ve always been in a training role,” Jason says. “I’m thrilled to be in a position here at INE where I can lift people up, point them in the right direction and help them on their IT journey.”

Megan Daudelin joins INE as a Cyber Security Instructor. She is a GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA), Microsoft 365 Security Administrator Associate and Access Data Certified Examiner (ACE). Megan is passionate about teaching, particularly when it comes to explaining technical topics to those without traditional tech backgrounds. She completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Digital Forensics at Champlain College, where she is now an adjunct professor for courses related to cyber security and digital forensics. “I’m excited to be a part of INE’s investment in cyber security,” Megan says. “We are focused on producing content that bridges the existing gap between training and education. The opportunity to create courses and teach people from that perspective is thrilling to me.”

Christopher Leach joins INE as a Cyber Defense and Threat Hunting Instructor. He has more than 40 industry certifications across various fields, including AWS Certified Developer, DevOps Engineering on AWS and CompTIA Linux+ (Powered by LPI). Christopher serves as a subject matter expert in digital forensics for the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice. During his time working for Gilead Sciences, he worked on what would ultimately become the current Moderna COVID-19 vaccine being administered to millions of people. He earned a Master’s degree in Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counter Terrorism from Western Governors University, and is in the final stages of earning his Doctor of Technology, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Colorado Technical University. Christopher is an honorary member of the Order of the Sword & Shield, Omicron Sigma Sigma. “I’ve spent my career dedicated to rooting out threats and elevating the good in society,” Christopher says. “At INE, I’m excited to be in a position where I can pass on knowledge I’ve learned in my career to others seeking to do the same.”

Phillip Wylie joins INE as an Offensive Security Instructor. He co-authored “The Pentester Blueprint: Starting a Career as an Ethical Hacker,” Founded The Pwn School Project and is an Adjunct Instructor at Dallas College. He is a well-known industry advocate and frequent public speaker. Phillip has an extensive background in penetration testing and more than 2 decades of IT and cyber security experience. His certifications include the GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT), Infosec Assessment Methodology (IAM), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) and a QualysGuard Certified Specialist. He is an Ambassador for the Innocent Lives Foundation, and a Board Member with Hacking is NOT a Crime. You can find him on twitter @PhillipWylie. “My biggest passion is helping others,” says Phillip. “I am very proud to join forces with INE and share my experience and knowledge base with other students who are as passionate about learning as I am.”

About INE: 

INE is the premier provider of Technical Training for the IT industry. INE is revolutionizing the digital learning industry through the implementation of adaptive technologies and a proven method of hands on training experiences. INE’s portfolio of training is built for levels of technical learning specializing in advanced networking technologies, next generation security and infrastructure programming and development.