 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRAINING & CERTIFICATION
Vortex Data Systems has been at the forefront of
Information Technology (IT) training and certification in San Diego
since 1989. Our offerings feature authorized courses from
Microsoft and Novell as well as a broad range of quality courses
for Adobe, Macromedia and CompTIA. These courses can assist in
gaining professional certifications such as Certified
Novell Engineer and Microsoft
Certified Systems Engineer.
Today
Catherine Bristol took over full ownership and operations of Vortex Data Systems on January 1st 2007. Catherine has been with Vortex for the past 11 years and is very excited about the new opportunities and partnerships that Vortex has begun this year. Catherine is a graduate of the University of San Diego and has been involved in the technology arena since 1992 officially and involved with computers since her early days in school. Catherine’s family was transferred here from Norfolk, Virginia when the USS Kitty Hawk was permanently relocated to San Diego. “I have a strong commitment to the San Diego Community and, of course, since my beginnings here involved the Navy and the military community, the Military men and women of San Diego also hold a special place to us here at Vortex,” Catherine explains. “The same business standards that have been our trademark over the past 25 years continue to be our guide into the future.” The enthusiasm and commitment to the ever changing technology environment is also foremost on our minds as we move into the next era of Vortex. Vortex offers a unique business model among the current training centers, the commitment to our customers is primary and our ability to deliver customer focused solutions has been our goal since the very beginning.
Origins
Previous Owner and CEO, Paul Christiansen began the company as a systems integration business and continues as its driving force and visionary. In forming Vortex, Christiansen was combining his own love for computer and networking technology with an opportunity to bring this expertise to San Diego businesses. It was 1984 just at the point where small and mid-size companies were discovering how the PC could dramatically increase productivity. Because smaller companies could not afford to hire IT professionals in staff positions, Christiansen decided to create a service that would provide the technical expertise these growing businesses needed. Vortex Data Systems has been successful from the very beginning. “I think by combining our technical acumen with a company-wide focus on customer service, we were able to create a loyal client base, most of whom are still our clients,” he explains.
Novell and Microsoft Authorization
During the 80s, many San Diego companies were expanding rapidly to the point where they needed in-house IT staff to keep their computer and network systems running smoothly. Christiansen recognized this trend and in 1989, when Novell introduced its Certified Network Engineer certification training, he jumped at the chance to be the first local company to offer vendor authorized technical training in San Diego. It wasn’t long before Microsoft introduced their official curriculum and Vortex was poised to respond. The program was so successful, that Vortex became the first training company to be named as a Microsoft Solution Provider Partner in San Diego. Today, Vortex remains one of only a handful of training companies that have achieved this recognition.
Focus on Training
In late 1997; Christiansen sold the integration side of his business to focus solely on the high-end technical training for which Vortex was receiving so much recognition. In the ensuing years, Vortex has not only thrived but grown steadily even during sluggish economic times achieving a steady growth of it’s training business that averages 25% a year. Along the way, Vortex has established an impeccable reputation for quality and innovation recognized by their students and vendors alike. In fact, many of the network personnel at major corporations and military installations in this region were trained at Vortex.
Satellite Center (Green Room)
In 1994, Vortex added its Satellite Teleconferencing Center. This state-of-the-art center, located within the Vortex facility, offers seminars and satellite broadcasts that bring additional education value to our students.
Recent Developments:
- January 2007 — Vortex renews as Microsoft Gold and Novell Gold Partner.
- January 2007 — Catherine Bristol takes ownership and a new era begins at Vortex.
- June 2006 — Vortex introduces the Headliner Series unveiling Subject Matter Expert Focused seminars and trainings.
- January 2006 — Vortex renews its Novell Partnership and becomes a Novell Gold Partner.
- February 2005 — Vortex renews its Microsoft Partnership and becomes a Microsoft Gold Partner.
- January 2005 — Vortex renews its Novell Partnership and becomes a Novell Gold Partner.
- March 2004 — Vortex celebrates its 20-year anniversary.
- September 2002 — Vortex announced Developer Education month in October with the most comprehensive offering of development classes available.
- January 2001 — Vortex spearheads the creation of United Training, a consortium of Information Technology training centers, to deliver high quality Microsoft training nationwide.
- April 2000 — Vortex expands curriculum with six new course offerings; delivering to San Diego the largest selection of IT courses offered by one training center.
- March 1999 — Vortex celebrates its 15-year anniversary.
- August 1998 — Vortex announces expansion of its Mission Valley facility to accommodate the overwhelming demand for trained Information Technology professionals.
- December 1997 — Vortex divests its System Integration Group to focus entirely on providing quality Information Technology Training.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES
Vortex’s philosophy of business is extremely simple. There are essentially three dimensions to business. With respect to the technologies, products and markets we engage, we are looking for those which are “industry standard, open-architecture and scalable.” Over the years, many products which were proprietary, for example, were displaced by products that were standards-based. Products which were by design, closed or exclusionary, were displaced with products that were open. And finally, successful products scale well, preventing the need to rip and replace when growth reaches a particular point.
Our philosophy with our employees is five words “be professional, use good judgment.” I hope you have had the opportunity to experience first hand all the ways that our staff responds personally and professionally in delivering and supporting world-class training services.
And finally, our philosophy with our customers is best expressed by our mission statement which, incidentally, has not changed since day one- To enhance our customers business through the integration of people and information technology.
CUSTOMIZED EDUCATION
As we have done for many clients, Vortex can tailor a training course or series of courses to meet the specific needs of your group. In addition, with customized training, you can have the flexibility of day, or evening and weekend classes, allowing your company to maintain critical coverage of your network operations while your staff attends training.
Private classes can be held at our state-of-the-art facility in Mission Valley or on-site at your location. If you have a training requirement you would like to discuss with us, please contact your Vortex Education Specialist at (619) 497-6400.
VORTEX EDUCATION OPTIONS
Vortex offers a wide variety of vendor-authorized and other advanced instructor-led technical courses that are regularly scheduled and published on our Web site and in our Education Bulletin. For private groups, Vortex has the capability to modify existing courseware or even develop courseware to meet the needs of your organization or group. In addition to information technology training, for private groups, we offer a variety of Desktop Application courses from beginner through advanced levels. Ask a Vortex Education Specialist for more information on the different options available.
CERTIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
This distinction requires that we meet stringent standards of quality, that we be subject to regular audits, periodic update training and annual re-certification. Our NetWare courses are developed and supported by Novell and taught by Certified Novell Instructors (CNIs) and our Microsoft Certified Courses are developed and supported by Microsoft and taught by Microsoft Certified Trainers.
High standards and educational integrity have been of the utmost importance to Vortex in our day to day business, as well as our educational programs. At Vortex you will not find "Fast Track" programs. You will find the very best Certified Instructors, state-of-the-art classrooms and labs, and an exemplary facility in which to attain your educational goals. To further the educational experience, each individual has a workstation and access to a network, and the number of students in each class is limited for more individualized attention. Plenty of hands-on experience in the classroom combined with individual and group exercises and question and answer sessions ensure that you’ll leave with the confidence and knowledge necessary to achieve your LAN career goals. We believe these factors to be the reason Vortex receives excellent praises from our students and guarantees their satisfaction.
Vortex is committed to giving the highest level of instruction possible. Our proven track record of satisfied companies and successful certified graduates helps us maintain our reputation as the leader in information technology training.
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