CSC News

February 28, 2006

Gehringer Provides Object-Oriented Design Training Onsite for Tekelec Employees

When international telecommunications giant, Tekelec, shifted its software development practices to increase the focus on object-oriented design (OOD), they were immediately confronted with the need to provide their employees skill development and refresher training.Relying on their strong connections as a Super ePartner, they quickly found a solution through their collaborative relationship with the NC State department of computer science.

 
Richard Laurent, Sr. Engineer with Tekelec, explains, "We were historically a "C" programming shop, and OOD was not being used extensively."Tekelec felt the move to OOD offered a number of competitive advantages, but realized their employees would need help with the transition. As the prime interface with NC State, Laurent was asked to explore solutions. Enter Dr. Ed Gehringer, associate professor of computer science at NC State and an OOD expert with more than 18 years experience delivering OOD software classes.

 
Gehringer and company representatives collaborated on the course content to create a 11-week OOD class which was conducted at Tekelec's RTP headquarters last fall. To facilitate effective learning while accommodating demanding project schedules, only one 1-hour session was scheduled each week, typically early in the morning. This non-traditional approach to delivering higher-education content minimized work disruption and contributed to strong attendance over the entire 11-week period.

 
Approximately 75 Tekelec employees participated in one or more of the sessions, with attendance ranging from 20–50 per session, depending on the topic. Laurent adds, "Response from participants has been very positive."

 
According to Gehringer, industry interest in OOD has grown significantly in the past few years, evidenced by the enrollment of more Engineering Online students than classroom students in his masters level OOD course. Local companies interested in setting up an object-oriented design course for their employees are encouraged to contact Gehringer directly.

 
About Tekelec

 
Tekelec is a leading developer of now and next-generation signaling and switching telecommunications solutions, business intelligence tools and value-added applications. Tekelec's innovative solutions are widely deployed in traditional and next-generation wireline and wireless networks and contact centers worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located in Morrisville, N.C. , with research and development facilities and sales offices throughout the world.

 
About ePartners

 
The ePartners Program provides a framework for developing and nurturing meaningful collaborative relationships between the global business community and NC State's Department of Computer Science. Its primary focus is to foster ongoing communication and interaction between students, faculty and our corporate partners, to help shape the department's future. Funding and support generated by the program allow our department to continue to grow in emerging areas of computer science technology while providing the highest quality education for our students.

In recognition of their generous support, our ePartners have access to an extensive portfolio of engagement and interaction options across several recognition levels, all designed to meet their specific needs and interests.

For more information, contact Ken Tate, Director of Development & External Relations at 919-513-4292 or tate@csc.ncsu.edu.

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