6/12/2002 -- Nortel Networks announced via its Web site recently that the company has dropped its CVX-related certifications following the sale last month of its CVX product lines to Ontario, Canada-based Aastra Technologies Ltd.

According to the Nortel Web site, Aastra has not decided yet whether to continue the certification program (no mention has been made of it on Aastra's Web site).

To read the official announcement, click here.

In other Nortel news, the company recently opened several free beta exams:

• Design Specialist, Alteon (Exam 921-241)
• Design Specialist, Contivity (Exam 921-242)
• Field Specialist Periphonics, MPS 100, Tech Support (Exam 921-107)
• Support Specialist, Periphonics, MPS 100, Tech Support (Exam 921-108)
• Support Specialist, Periphonics, MPS 100, Application Developer (Exam 921-120)

Those who pass the above betas will become Nortel certified. Interested candidates must apply for a free voucher via Nortel's Web site. For more information on these betas, click here. - B.N.