NIIT, Adobe Systems Inc forges global alliance

Mumbai: NIIT Ltd has entered into a global alliance with Adobe Systems Incorporated to create talent pool for design, web, mobile and interactive media, NIIT said in a filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

Thorough this strategic partnership, NIIT will offer training programmes on Adobe''s software tools and technologies used in business, entertainment and personal communication, across its network of 32 countries. Global leader, Adobe will provide access to its software tools and technologies in the emerging, creative space, and enable the large software developer community and creative professionals to skill themselves for the media, rich interactive web 2.0, and animation & gaming industries, the statement added.

Adobe and NIIT will also jointly set up showcase centres in key Indian metro cities. NIIT will also offer the training programmes in emerging markets such as China and Vietnam, in addition to 30 other countries
in its global network.

There demand for animation professionals is expected to grow up to 3,00,000 by 2008 and the market for gaming development in India is expected to reach $300 million by 2009, at CAGR of 78 per cent according to a NASSCOM Study on Animation and Gaming Industry, 2006.

The demand in the international market is already large and growing rapidly. Additionally, there is a significant need for existing software professionals to upgrade their skills in the latest Adobe technologies in their journey to Web 2.0.

"The advent of convergence and the increasing need for richness in interactive media is creating significant demand for skilled professionals. Adobe enjoys clear leaderships in the tools and technologies required in this space. NIIT is pleased to bring our 25 years of training expertise combined with Adobe''s leadership, to create exciting career opportunities for the youth around the world, through our training programme," said Vijay K Thadani, chief executive of NIIT.

NIIT will offer training on Adobe''s enterprise products with rich internet application, web 2.0 technologies such as Flex, Flash, Adobe Integrated Rantune (AIR), Dreamweaver and ColdFusion, and Creative Suite products, including Creative Suite3, across its global
network. NIIT''s curriculum mapped to Adobe certifications will enable students to acquire three certifications.

While the modular programmes are designed to initiate high school students into the creative space, the advanced level programmes will enable enterprise developers and creative professionals to build careers in media, animation & gaming and web 2.0 technologies.

Adobe and NIIT will work together to develop a pool of trainers, through, ''Train the Trainer'' programme, to further the cause of training in latest and emerging technologies. Both organisations will also collaborate to enhance career opportunities for students through scholarship and placement assistance.