To aid information technology (IT) and operations technology (OT) professionals in overcoming the challenges of converging network technologies, Rockwell Automation is collaborating with Cisco to offer a new training course for Cisco Industrial Network Specialist certification.

Rockwell says the course will help meet the current demand for skilled professionals who understand the exchange between IT and OT.

“Establishing an effective, connected enterprise requires seamless collaboration and integration between IT and OT professionals,” says Gary Pearsons, vice president and general manager of customer support and maintenance business for Rockwell. “Our new training course empowers IT and OT professionals with the expertise they need to position their enterprises for future technology transitions.”

The lab-based course, Managing industrial networks with Cisco networking technologies (IMINS), will provide the foundation needed to manage and administer networked industrial control systems.

“The industrial plant floor is transforming as information and operational technologies expand IP networking and Ethernet connectivity,” says Jeanne Beliveau-Dunn, vice president and general manager, Learning@Cisco. “Today’s workforce will need to prepare for tomorrow’s evolving job roles. The demand for skilled professionals who understand how to interact with IT, networking and traditional control systems continues to grow.”

Beliveau-Dunn says the course provides an opportunity for engineers and plant technicians to decrease downtime and help them perform more efficiently.

According to Rockwell, the course will help users maintain and troubleshoot industrial network systems as well as enable engineers to ensure network availability, reliability and cybersecurity across the connected enterprise.

The IMINS course is available for open enrollment in the US, with 28 classes planned through April 2015. Participants who enroll before Oct. 3 will receive a 10 percent discount. Classes will begin globally in October of this year.

More information can be found here.