Document # 208334Selecting a Partner for Cisco CCIE Certification: An Analysis of the Leading Vendors
© 2008 The Tolly Group
White Paper
A white papercommissioned byIPexpert, Inc.
October 2008
Introduction 4
Executive Summary 5
Key Findings 5
CCIE Routing & Switching Classroom Training 6
Five-Day Boot Camp
IPexpert End-to-End Blended Learning Program vs. Internetwork Expert 12-Day Boot-camp
Summary of Findings for the Two Programs
Additional International Classes
Self-study CCIE R&S Product Line 11
Online CCIE Rack Rental Offering 12
Pricing & Rack Rental Availability
Equipment Provided
Cancellation Policy
Lab Grading Cost & Report Cards
© 2008 The Tolly Group, Inc. 2
Table of Contents
WHITE PAPER: IPexpert — Preparing for Cisco CCIE Certification
Before using this document you must agree to the terms of usage.These terms are listed on the final page.
Grading Report Samples:
CCIE Success Stories 17
Number of Individuals Certified
Guarantee/Investment Protection 17
IPexpert “Until you pass” Risk-Free Guarantee
Internetwork Expert Protection Program
Summary of Guarantee Findings
© 2008 The Tolly Group, Inc. 3
IntroductionNetwork professionals seeking to enhance their technical credentials through Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certifications, more commonly known as CCIE, should search for the best way to maxi-mize their investment. Often, doing so tends to be an arduous task.
IPexpert, Inc. commissioned The Tolly Group to evaluate IPexpert/Proctor Labs CCIE Routing & Switching Lab Preparation tools versus Internetwork Expert/Graded Labs offerings. Selection criteria used for this paper was mapped to the criteria that IPexpert believes is impor-tant to the buyer. While this is a head-to-head review, The Tolly Group did not contact Internetwork Experts about its product, because information utilized came directly from the company Web site.
The goal of the comparative review was to assess which training services provider delivers a better overall value, backed by a compe-tent professional staff1 and a stable of certified graduates that dem-onstrates the effectiveness of the company s training.
The Tolly Group evaluated each vendor based on five criteria:
Classroom training: What types of classes are offered and their frequency?
Self-study programs: What programs/materials are available and at what cost?
Rack rental options: What equipment resources are available to students for lab purposes? At what cost?
Success stories: How many students have earned certifications through the vendor training programs? In what technical areas have they been certified? Have students returned to a training vendor for additional certifications?
© 2008 The Tolly Group, Inc. 4
1 The Tolly Group did not interview staff members but gathered available staffing data from company Web sites on 15 October 2008, including information on staff experience and competencies.
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Service guarantees: What programs do the training provider put in place to guarantee to the student that his or her train-ing investment is protected and that the student will receive the proper training and preparation to pass CCIE testing?
All prices referenced herein are shown in U.S. Dollars.
Tolly Group personnel gathered information related to the pricing of services, the quality and frequency of classes and training materials, and each vendors record of success. All
data was collected from each vendor s respective Web site on 15 October 2008, so informational snapshots could be compared on an apples-to-apples basis.
Executive SummaryKey FindingsTolly Group research shows that IPexpert delivers a more cost-effective set of training solutions for the CCIE Routing and Switching (R&S) track than Internetwork Expert; a finding backed by information publicly provided by the vendors themselves. Beyond that, IPexpert also has the capability and history of success teaching other CCIE topics, including Security, Service Provider and Voice specializations. 2
From a cost standpoint, the live classroom training costs compared in this analysis varied from $3,495 up to $9,000, depending on the length of the course and benefits included with each vendor. It is apparent that both training rivals hold their self-study offerings to be of significant importance in preparing their customers to reap the maximum return from their sizable investment in classroom training. In that light, the value delivered by each vendor, in terms of quality and variety of solutions weighted against the costs, becomes a paramount factor when choosing a preparation plan.
In summary, the big picture shows that IPexpert delivers CCIE R&S training that is a better value in terms of a broader and up-to-date product offering, while remaining an affordable alternative to Internetwork Expert. IPexpert s classroom availability is superior to its competitor and its courses promise a
© 2008 The Tolly Group, Inc. 5
2 Internetwork Expert also teaches CCIE topics other than Routing & Switching.
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IPexpert, Inc.
Validation of Value and Complete-ness of CCIE Training
higher degree of value-added services. As evidence of the results delivered by these factors, IPexpert s published track record of satisfied graduates is longer than Internetwork Expert s graduate list.
To date, IPexpert reports that 1,129 individuals have earned CCIE certifica-tions after choosing its training programs — that s 20% more graduates than advertised by Internetwork Expert (939). Further, since IPexpert has long offered training solutions for the various CCIE tracks, many of its cus-tomers have returned to prepare for their second and even third CCIE certi-fications. In contrast to Internetwork Expert, IPexpert s success list also displays the tracks for each individual. Clearly, the true picture of IPexpert s record for helping engineers earn CCIEs exceeds the 1,100+ individuals on its Wall of Fame.
CCIE Routing & Switching Classroom Training
Five-Day Boot CampThis course is designed to prepare CCIE candidates for the Routing &
Switching practical lab exam. The class provided by IPexpert and Inter-
network Expert does not cover introductory material. Attendees are
expected to have a CCNP-level knowledge of the topics covered in
order to gain the full benefit of the class. This class consists of five hours
of lecture per day and five hours or more of hands-on lab work per day.
This is a real class, not a workshop.
IPexpert and Internetwork Expert courses are similar, in terms of hours
and days covered, as well as the equipment provided for student use.
IPexpert offers a greater frequency of “live” classes for its five-day “boot
camp,” with six “live” classes spanning across a six-month period. By
comparison, Internetwork Expert offers just three “live” classes over a
six-month span, as well as online classes. (See Figure 1.)
Internetwork Expert students may rent rack equipment from the training
company or bring their own equipment during their retake test (offered
by the investment protection guarantee). IPexpert students do not incur
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IPexpert Internetwork Expert
URL
http://www.ipexpert.com/index.cfm/produc
t/sku/ccie_rs_lab_instructor_led_bootcam
p
http://www.internetworkexpert.com/iebc5-
rs.htm
Course availabilitySix publicly-offered classes in a six-month
span
Three publicly-offered classes in a six-
month span
Locations
Columbus, Ohio
San Jose, California
Sydney, Australia
London, UK
Amsterdam, NE
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
Cisco equipment
provided
Class length
Guarantee/
Investment
If you purchase an IPexpert instructor-led
course, but do not pass the exam, you are
eligible to retake the class once again
before your next lab exam attempt - at NO
CHARGE.
Alternatively, you may choose to use your
retake seat invitation to visit the same
course again prior to your first lab exam
attempt. Your choice!
Retake seats include full access to your
own dedicated pod of equipment, just like
your first time through the class!
http://www.ipexpert.com/Guarantee
Attend ANY purchased class free of
charge before and/or after attempting the
exam. Access to ANY Class-On-Demand
for classes that have been previously
purchased and are available in COD
format.
It should be noted that customers who
purchase the All-Inclusive Bootcamp
Program are allowed to reseat the
bootcamps again at no additional charge
(pending availability of a seat), however
they must pay for rack time.
http://www.internetworkexpert.com/invest
mentprotection.htm
Graded mock lab
exam
The final lab completed during the course
is graded. Additionally, students are
provided a “bonus day” that includes an
extra full-day mock lab and eight hours of
rack access to complete at their
convenience after class. In both cases,
students receive a comprehensive grading
report detailing their work.
Not included
Extras
Course registration includes a $1,000
credit toward the purchase of IPexpert self-
study products. IPexpert also provides
students with lunch, snacks and
refreshments throughout each day.
None included
Cost $4,999 $3,495
5-Day Boot Camp Comparison
(Live, classroom offering)
IPexpert offers more hardware per rack, plus newer models allowing for more logical
topologies and the reassurance that the latest Cisco IOS is supported.
IPexpert’s online rack topology:
http://proctorlabs.com/PDF/RS_9_std_top.pdf
Internetwork Expert’s online rack topology:
http://www.internetworkexpert.com/downloads/ie.rs.v4.10.hardware.specification.pdf
The vendors both run courses Monday through Friday, each day running
approximately 12 hours long, including lectures and lab scenarios.
Source: The Tolly Group, October 2008 Figure 1
Graded mock lab exam is included.
any additional charges.
For the additional cost of an IPexpert course over Internetwork Expert s
initial fee, IPexpert provides a $1,000 offset via a credit toward self-
study products (to prepare for the course). The company also includes
significant added value through its student grading and “bonus day” of
training.
IPexpert End-to-End Blended Learning Program vs. Internetwork Expert 12-Day Bootcamp
Internetwork Expert offers a 12-Day Boot Camp for $7,995 (without hotel
and meals). For the sake of an apples-to-apples comparison, The Tolly
Group compared this offering to IPexpert s course offering of a similar
length of time, which is the IPexpert End-to-End Program. This offering
costs $8,999.
The major difference between the two competing offers is that, for about
$1,000 more, IPexpert students are provided their entire portfolio of self-
study product line (valued at $1,999 as IPexpert s Blended Learning
Solution described on page 9 herein). In addition, IPexpert includes
nearly 200 hours of access to its racks of hardware (valued at $726.25
on the Proctor Labs rack rental solution, as described on page 11).
These benefits allow students to fully prepare on their own, prior to at-
tending the live courses.
The IPexpert End-to-End Blended Learning Program combines its two
flavors of instructor-led training into a two-week block of instruction.
Week 1 provides in-depth lectures and focused lab scenarios that
reinforce the lecture topics. The weekend in-between courses are left
for self-study, working on a full-scale mock lab (which is subsequently
graded), with students maintaining access to their dedicated rack of
equipment. Week 2 is designed to deliver the experience of the actual
CCIE lab exam, day after day, to give the student repeated “test drives”
in the presence of the instructor.
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IPexpert
End-to-End Program (2 weeks)
Internetwork Expert
12-Day Boot Camp
Cisco
equipment
provided
Class length
Two phases:
Phase 1: Self-study preparation with IPexpert’s entire
product line, at each individual’s pace.
Phase 2: 12 days on-site at an IPexpert facility,
including 10 instructor-led in the classroom.
12 days in the classroom with the instructor
Guarantee/
Investment
If you purchase an IPexpert instructor-led course, but do not pass the exam afterwards, you are eligible to retake the class once again before your next lab exam attempt - at NO CHARGE.
Alternatively, you may choose to use your retake seat invitation to visit the same course again prior to your first lab exam attempt. Your choice!
Our retake seats include full access to your own dedicated pod of equipment, just like your first time through the class!
http://www.ipexpert.com/Guarantee
Attend ANY purchased class free of charge before and/or after attempting the exam.
Access to ANY Class-On-Demand for classes that have been previously purchased and are available in COD format.
It should be noted that customers who purchase the All-Inclusive Bootcamp Program are allowed to reseat the bootcamps again at no additional charge (pending availability of a seat), however users must pay for rack time.
http://www.internetworkexpert.com/investmentt ti ht
Mock Lab Exam
In all, students receive comprehensive grading reports, detailing their success/failure for six of the labs completed throughout the two-week endeavor.
Not included
"Extras"
Program includes ALL self-study products included with IPexpert’s Blended Learning Solution, value of $1,999.
• Volume 1 Workbook & Proctor Guide ($399 value)• Volume 2 Workbook & Proctor Guide ($399 value)• Volume 3 Workbook & Proctor Guide ($699 value)• Volume 3 Video Tutorials• Graded Mock Labs• Video on Demand Lecture Series (999 value)• Audio Lectures on Demand ($599 value)• 100GB portable hard drive that contains the media
Program also includes nearly 200 hours of online rack sessions for use prior to class, during the self-study phase. ($726.25 value)
Cost $8,999 $7,995*
IPexpert End-to-End Program vs.
Internetwork Expert 12-Day Boot Camp
IPexpert offers more hardware per rack, as well as newer models, allowing for more logical topologies and the reassurance that the latest Cisco IOS is supported.
IPexpert’s online rack topology:
http://proctorlabs.com/PDF/RS_9_std_top.pdf
Internetwork Expert’s online rack topology:
http://www.internetworkexpert.com/downloads/ie.rs.v4.10.hardware.specification.pdf
Source: The Tolly Group, October 2008 Figure 2
In all, students receive comprehensive grading reports, detailing their
success/failure for five of the mock labs they complete during their self-
study phase, then six of the labs completed throughout the two-week
classroom training endeavor. More details about the grading features
are included later in this report.
Summary of Findings for the Two ProgramsMany CCIE candidates are interested in finding the most significant
value for their training funds. IPexpert s End-to-End Blended Learning
Program offers a full solution that encompasses all of the tools one
should need to succeed, from self-study materials to instructor led class-
room training and virtual access to top-notch hardware. That offering
comes at a cost near Internetwork Expert s comparative offering, which
only provides 12 days of classroom instruction. IPexpert offers a
superior value.
Additional International ClassesIn addition to its 5-Day Boot Camp offered in Sydney, Australia, IPexpert
also offers the courses in various international locations. The courses
are available in a 7-day format in the following locations:
• Dubai, UAE
• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Bangalore, India
IPexpert s Web site also advertises the ability for clients to book the
course on-site at their company location, virtually anywhere.
Internetwork Expert does not advertise courses in international locations
other than the previously-stated availability in London (UK) and
Amsterdam (NE).
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Self-study CCIE R&S Product LineMany CCIE candidates worldwide will never be able to attend a live instructor-led course. They turn to self-study products to prepare.
The Tolly Group examined the CCIE Routing & Switching self-study materi-als offered by both companies. IPexpert s entire product line has been completely overhauled recently. The offering includes newly-written “hands-on” lab materials, and all-new lecture media. All of IPexpert s video prod-ucts are recorded in high-definition, a difference that offers a substantially higher-quality learning tool.
Both vendors offer the various components of their CCIE training on an “a la carte” basis. Both IPexpert and Internetwork Expert offer lab workbooks in three volumes, one of which comes with video walk-through tutorials. IPexpert has 10 mock labs currently delivered with detailed walk-through
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Figure 3
Volume 1 Workbook with Proctor Guide $399
Volume 1$249
Volume 2 Workbook with Proctor Guide $399
Volume 2$495
Volume 3 Workbook with Proctor Guide $699
Volume 2 "Breakdown" videos$472
Volume 3 Video Tutorials Free Volume 3 $249
Graded mock labs Free Graded mock labs $516
Video on Demand $999 Class on Demand $995
Audio lectures $599 Audio lectures $99
$1000 Boot Camp voucher $1,000 Class on Demand $995
100 GB portable hard drive $90
Subtotal a la carte list pricing $4,185 Subtotal a la carte list pricing $4,070
Discount for package $2,186 Discount for package $1,075
Total price $1,999 Total price $2,995
IPexpert
Blended Learning Solution
Internetwork Expert
"End to End" Self Study Program
Self-Study CCIE R&S Product Line
Source: The Tolly Group, October 2008
Included
Included
Internetwork Expert End to End Self Study Program
videos, which are available at no additional charge. Internetwork Expert offers video tutorials for eight labs and charges an extra $59 for each one.
Both vendors provide a service for grading a student s mock lab exams. IPexpert offers the graded service for free through ProctorLabs.com. Inter-network Expert, through GradedLabs.com, charges $129 for this service for each lab to be graded.
Both vendors offer an “on-demand” video lecture product as well, which is different from the aforementioned videos. Instead of walking through the actual mock lab scenarios, the lecture videos are more like watching/listening to a seminar explaining the various technologies and protocols.
IPexpert takes the lecture-based offering a step further by offering an “Audio Lecture on Demand” that lets students listen to more than 20 hours of lectures through any MP3 player. Internetwork Expert alludes to an “Advanced Technologies Audio Class” on its web page for the End-to-End Self Study Program, but the product does not seem to be available for purchase anywhere on the site.
Online CCIE Rack Rental OfferingWhen a CCIE candidate spends hundreds or even thousands of dollars on training materials, it is essential they have access to quality equipment on which they can practice in preparation for eventual exams.
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Figure 4Elements of IPexpert s Blended Learning Solution for the CCIE R&S lab exam.
Both IPexpert and Internetwork Expert offer test lab rack rentals for just that purpose.
Pricing & Rack Rental Availability In terms of pricing structure and number of CCIE Routing & Switching
racks available, the two vendors vary in offerings. IPexpert (through
Proctor Labs) offers 24 CCIE R&S racks, which seem to be more readily
available, while Internetwork Expert s rack rental requires more
planning.
IPexpert s rack rental pricing structure is straight forward, but Internet-
work Expert s token plan potentially offers a lower cost.
One session at IPexpert runs 7 hours, 45 minutes for a cost of $35.
Significant discounts are offered for bundled purchases, starting at 10,
25 and more sessions.
Internetwork Expert racks are available in blocks of 5 hours, 30 minutes.
However, it is difficult to determine what pricing any one person may be
charged in various circumstances. Going by the company s advertised
“average cost” of 2.4 tokens/hour, Internetwork Expert would cost
$18.60 for 7 hours, 45 minutes of rack time.
Upon testing the sessions scheduling systems, Tolly Group personnel
found it easy to identify a desired date and time at IPexpert s Proctor
Labs system, then schedule it. However, reviewers were unable to
schedule a session through Internetwork Expert / Graded Labs.
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Equipment Provided
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Figure 5Source: The Tolly Group, October 2008
IPexpert Internetwork Expert
Hardware
• Routers are 2800 and 3800 series ISR routers, and VERY fast.
• 3825 Router with Etherswitch Module in each rack.
• All routers run 12.4 Mainline IOS.
• Each rack is equipped with four Catalyst 3550/3560 switches running 12.2(25)SEE2 IPServices or AdvIPServices code.
• Each rack has Frame Relay, Fast Ethernet, Serial, and Gigabit Ethernet technologies.
• Includes six routers with Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and Serial interfaces.
• Routers support IOS 12.4 and the switches run 12.2.
• In addition to the six routers, four Catalyst series switches running the enhanced multilayer software image (EMI) are included.
Remote control tools
• All routers can be controlled via the Web with a GUI remote control system.
• Users will not waste time on racks... when users begin a session, routers WILL BE set to the default (blank) setting.
• Each device can be power cycled by our RPC (Remote Power Control) system with a click of a button.
• Single Page Login (no need to Telnet to rack’s terminal server). Login and begin using online hardware instantly.
• Session Management (view scheduled time and reschedule without human intervention).
Not listed
CCIE R&S Rack Equipment Furnished by Vendors
Cancellation PolicyBoth IPexpert and Internetwork Expert offer the option of rescheduling
or canceling a rack rental. IPexpert allows cancelation or rescheduling
up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled session time, while Internetwork
Expert requires three or more days prior to the scheduled session. For
individuals with busy, changing schedules, IPexpert s flexibility may be a
major benefit.
Lab Grading Cost & Report CardsIPexpert / Proctor Labs provides all graded labs free of charge. Inter-
network Expert charges an additional $129 or more for each graded
Mock Lab Exam.
Beyond the significant cost savings offered by IPexpert for graded labs,
it is important to compare the features and details provided by each
vendor s report cards.
Grading Report Samples:See next page.
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Figure 6Source: The Tolly Group, October 2008
IPexpert / Proctor Labs Internetwork Expert / Graded Labs
Cost for 7 hours, 45 minute rack
session$35 (less if purchased in bundles) $18.60 (based on "average" cost)
Cost for grading Free $129
Total Cost for graded lab $35 $147.60
Lab Grading Cost & Report Cards
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Figure 7Source: The Tolly Group, October 2008
IPexpert/Proctor Labs
Grading Report Sample
Internetwork Expert/Graded Labs
Grading Report Sample
The IPexpert / Proctor Labs grading system (called Verified Labs) is pictured above. Standard features include:
1. The student’s total overall score is displayed prominently at the top-left.
2. The student’s score is broken down two ways; first by technology / topic (as scoring would appear on the actual lab exam), second in a task-by-task format as they appeared in the lab exam.
3. For each section of the lab, the numerical score is displayed, line by line.
Additional features not offered by the competitor include:
4. Next to the overall score is a bar graph that displays how the student performed on each of the technologies covered in the lab exam. The orange color indicates points earned, while the points not earned are indicated in grey.
5. Icons (green check or red X) provide an at-a-glance view for sections of the lab passed or failed.
6. Magnifying glass icon opens a window that shows the student exactly where they went wrong on each section and what the grading system did to verify their work, providing an additional learning opportunity.
7. TV icon opens a detailed video tutorial, recorded in high-definition, where an IPexpert instructor walks through performing the lab, describing his actions in painstaking detail.
8. Information icon leads the student to a list of remedial learning options to become more familiar with the topics of weakness.
The Internetwork Expert / Graded Labs grading system is pictured above. Standard features include:
1. The student’s total overall score is displayed prominently at the top-left.
2. The student’s score is broken down two ways; first by technology / topic (as scoring would appear on the actual lab exam), second in a task-by-task format as they appeared in the lab exam.
3. For each section of the lab, the numerical score is displayed, line by line.
Additional features not offered by the competitor include:
4. The difficulty of the lab (as determined by Internetwork Expert) is displayed as a numerical value.
5. A statistic is displayed, showing how the student’s score compared to all other students that took that lab.
6. An “information” icon can be clicked to learn more about the lab itself, but does not appear to offer further insight into the student’s failure / success.
CCIE Success StoriesOne of the criteria prospective students should consider in selecting a CCIE training vendor is the number of students they have educated that actually earned CCIE certification.
Further, some vendors, like IPexpert have helped engineers succeed in various tracks and subsequently list the certifications achieved by success-ful students. In effect, this demonstrates that students earn one certification with IPexpert and return for a second or a third. Internetwork Expert only lists the student s name and certification number, but not the tracks completed.
Number of Individuals CertifiedAs of 15 October 2008, IPexpert listed 1,129 individuals as having
earned CCIE certifications. Internetwork Expert stated on its Web site to
have the “world s largest list” of individuals who had completed certifica-
tions, but reported only 939 certified graduates, or 20% less than
IPexpert.
Guarantee/Investment Protection IPexpert “Until you pass” Risk-Free GuaranteeIPexpert offers an “Until you pass” risk-free guarantee. The company
states that a training investment lasts until the student passes the CCIE
lab exam. In an ongoing effort to improve and cover all current lab and
blueprint topics, IPexpert updates all materials regularly. The guarantee
is included with both self-study and instructor-led classes/boot camps.
In terms of self-study, if there is an updated version of a self-study prod-
uct and the individual has not yet passed the exam, there are two
options: A student can either access a new version of the study materi-
als in electronic format at no charge, or order a new printed hard-copy
version for a nominal fee.
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Individuals enrolled in instructor-led classes and boot camps are eligible
to re-take the class again at no charge, either before or after they
attempt the actual exam.
Internetwork Expert Protection Program Internetwork Expert describes an “Exclusive Investment Protection
Program,” which is included with all of the company s offered products/
services. Internetwork Expert provides unlimited free updates of educa-
tional materials in electronic/online format as long as one needs. The
company also provides updated printed materials for a nominal fee.
Individuals are permitted to attend any purchased class again free of
charge before and/or after attempting the CCIE lab exam. Customers
that have previously purchased a class have access to any Class-on-
Demand format that are available.
For their “All-Inclusive Bootcamp Program” customers, Internetwork
Expert requires that rack time be paid for again by the student when
they retake the course.
Summary of Guarantee Findings It appears that both vendors are competing closely to offer very similar
guarantees for their customers. IPexpert seems to go the extra mile by
not charging its customers for use of the company s racks during the
exam retake seat afforded to them under the guarantee.
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This document is provided, free-of-charge, to help you understand whether a given product, technology or service merits addi-tional investigation for your particular needs. Any decision to purchase must be based on your own assessment of suitability.
This evaluation was focused on illustrating specific features and/or performance of the product(s) and was conducted under con-trolled, laboratory conditions and certain tests may have been tailored to reflect performance under ideal conditions; performance may vary under real-world conditions. Users should run tests based on their own real-world scenarios to validate performance for their own networks. Commercially reasonable efforts were made to ensure the accuracy of the data contained herein but errors and/or oversights can occur. In no event shall The Tolly Group be liable for damages of any kind including direct, indirect, special, incidental and consequentlal damages which may result from the use of information contained in this document
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Entire Contents Copyright 2008 by The Tolly Group, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
208334-joez1-cdb-10nov2008
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The company is based in Boca Raton, FL and can be reached by phone at (561) 391-5610, or via the Internet athttp://www.tolly.com, [email protected]