January 11, 2006 for immediate release

A leading Silicon Valley computing company is visiting Prince Georgelater this week to strengthen ties with UNBC and its Computer Scienceprogram.

Opsware Inc was created in 1999 by Netscape founder Marc Andreessen andhas harnessed the growth of the Internet through its InformationTechnology automation and utility software applications. Headquarteredin Silicon Valley, Opsware also has operations in Washington and NorthCarolina. Six of the company’s 325 employees are graduates of UNBC’sComputer Science program.

“Our graduates have been described by Opsware executives as exceptionalperformers at the company,” says UNBC Computer Science professor JernejPolajnar (pronounced YER-nay po-LY-nar). “California has topuniversities and can attract talent from around the world. Praise fromsenior executives at a company such as Opsware is among the bestreferences that a young computing professional can hope for, and itspeaks volumes about the quality of our top Computer Science graduates.”

Based on its experience with UNBC to date, two officials from Opsware –Vice-President and General Manager (Customer Support) Scott Kupor andHuman Resources Director Shannon Rucobo – are visiting UNBC this week.As part of the visit, Mr. Kupor will speak on "Major Technology Trendsin the Computing Industry and Implications for Hiring." Hispresentation is open to the public and will begin at 1pm on Friday,January 13, in Room 7-238 (near the Bookstore).

In a 2004 survey of alumni from BC universities, UNBC Computer Sciencegrads demonstrate high rates of satisfaction and employment compared toother Computer Science graduates in the province:

Category	BC Average	UNBC
Would Take the Same Program Again	85%	100%
Employment Rate	91%	93%
Average Annual Income	$49,810	$57,083

  

Contact:

Jernej Polajnar, Computer Science program - 250.960.6624

Rob van Adrichem, Directoor of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622