Enrollees are expected to include media professionals looking to add a marketable credential to their skill set, staff members of companies interested in creating digital signage content, and employees of Cisco channel partners planning to expand their digital signage solution capabilities.

"We value Cisco's contribution to developing content for the industry and feel this program is dedicated to the thousands of digital media professionals worldwide who are looking for ways to advance their skill set and achieve specializations in their areas of focus," said Kenneth Gisstennar, president of digital signage company Spinitar.

After completing a three-day training program and passing the required tests, media professionals will receive a Cisco Qualified Digital Signage Media Professional (CQ DSMP) credential. This credential helps assure expertise in the following curriculum topics:

• Content Creation will highlight best practices and methods for creating high-definition video on demand and network-broadcasted live video, multimedia and Web design, flash animations, still and animated images, text, dynamic content, and modular designs.
• Content Management instruction will involve ingestion, organization, playlisting, dayparting and scheduling, and digital signage management and administration.
• Content Distribution will include best practices and methods for content delivery networking, store-and-forward, IP multicasting, and streaming video (architecture, design and protocols).

If you're interested in this new Digital Academy or the curriculum visit: http://www.cisco.com/go/dms

Now if only we could come up with this type of curriculum and credentials for all those who create web content.