The Nevada-born solution that’s proving you don’t need a computer science PhD to master cybersecurity and cloud technologies, transforming complex technical training into surprisingly hands-on learning with real-world labs and expert-level certifications

Executive Summary

Product Name & Vendor:

INE (Internetwork Expert) by INE Inc., founded in 2003 by Brian Dennis and Brian McGahan in Reno, Nevada. The founders created INE after seeing that IT professionals struggled with networking certifications, especially the CCIE exam which had only a 3% pass rate. What started as networking training has grown into a complete technical education platform. Since 2003, INE has expanded by acquiring companies like eLearnSecurity in 2019 and PentesterAcademy in 2021. Today, INE serves Fortune 500 companies and over 147,000 students worldwide from its headquarters in Cary, North Carolina.

Quick Overview:

INE is a cloud-based IT training platform that teaches networking, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies through hands-on practice instead of just textbook learning. The platform combines expert video lessons with over 3,000 virtual labs where students can work on real network equipment and security scenarios. INE offers courses for beginners through experts, with learning paths that prepare people for industry certifications while building practical skills through realistic lab experiences.

Who Should Read:

This article helps IT professionals, cybersecurity specialists, and network administrators who want practical training that goes beyond reading books. It’s useful for companies training technical teams, people pursuing IT certifications like CCNA or cybersecurity credentials, and organizations needing security training compliance. Career changers entering IT, government agencies needing security training, schools teaching technical subjects, and managed service providers wanting to improve their teams will also find INE valuable.

Product Snapshot

Target Audience:

Industries:

INE works well for cybersecurity companies needing penetration testing skills, government agencies requiring security training, financial services protecting networks and meeting regulations, and healthcare organizations securing patient data. The platform also serves consulting firms building expertise, technology companies training developers, schools teaching IT, and managed service providers enhancing their technical abilities.

Company Sizes:

The platform serves everyone from individual IT professionals to Fortune 500 companies. It works particularly well for mid-sized tech companies (50-500 employees) building technical teams, government agencies training security staff, growing MSPs expanding capabilities, and large companies implementing cybersecurity training programs.

User Roles:

Main users include network engineers pursuing CCIE and CCNP certifications, cybersecurity professionals learning penetration testing, cloud architects working with AWS and Azure, and IT administrators managing company networks. The platform also serves security analysts, DevOps engineers automating infrastructure, technical managers, and people changing careers into cybersecurity and networking.

Deployment Options:

INE runs completely in the cloud through web browsers and mobile apps – no software to install or hardware to buy. The virtual lab environments run entirely online, with mobile access for learning anywhere, API connections for company systems, and enterprise options with single sign-on for large organizations.

Core Capabilities

Primary Features:

Hands-On Virtual Lab Environments:
INE’s main feature is giving access to over 3,000 virtual labs that simulate real IT environments without expensive equipment. These labs cover basic networking to complex enterprise security, letting students practice on actual Cisco routers, configure firewalls, conduct penetration tests, and manage cloud systems. The virtual environments include equipment from multiple vendors (Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet), isolated testing areas for security work, real-world scenarios, and unlimited lab time for thorough practice.
Expert Video Training and Learning Paths:
The platform offers over 7,000 hours of video content created by respected industry experts. Learning paths guide students from beginner to expert levels across networking, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies. Videos include step-by-step demonstrations, real-world scenarios, expert tips, and built-in quizzes. The structured approach builds skills progressively while allowing self-paced learning.
Industry Certification Preparation:
INE provides complete preparation for major IT certifications including Cisco CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, AWS Solutions Architect, Azure certifications, and cybersecurity credentials. Certification tracks include complete curriculum coverage, practice exams that mirror real tests, hands-on labs designed for exam prep, and expert study strategies. The platform’s high success rates show how combining theory with practical lab experience works.
Progress Tracking and Assessment:
The platform includes tools that track learning progress, identify knowledge gaps, and provide personalized improvement recommendations. Features include adaptive quizzes that adjust difficulty, progress dashboards showing completion rates, competency mapping for job roles, and detailed analytics for training managers. This approach ensures efficient learning and measurable skill development.

Specialized Modules:

INE Security (formerly eLearnSecurity):
Complete cybersecurity training offering penetration testing, ethical hacking, and security analysis training. Features include 14 industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications (eJPT, eCPPT, eWPT, eCIR), hands-on penetration testing labs with real vulnerabilities, web application security training, digital forensics courses, and threat hunting methods. The platform provides practical cybersecurity skills for immediate use in real security jobs, with certifications endorsed by organizations like the European Central Bank.
Skill Dive Lab Platform:
Advanced lab experience with thousands of hands-on labs across networking, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies. Skill Dive provides interactive environments where students can control large corporate networks, defend against real-time cyber attacks, practice complex troubleshooting, and experiment with new technologies. Features include competitive challenges, scenario-based learning, unlimited lab access, and specialized environments for different skill levels.
Cloud Technology Training:
Complete cloud computing education covering AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform with hands-on labs and certification prep. Cloud training includes solutions architect paths, DevOps automation, cloud security, and practical deployment scenarios. Students get real cloud environments for practice without cloud costs, plus industry-recognized certification preparation.
Corporate Training Solutions:
Enterprise programs designed for organizations training technical teams at scale. Corporate solutions include custom learning paths for business needs, progress tracking for managers, integration with existing systems, and specialized government training meeting compliance requirements. Supports bulk licensing, custom branding, and dedicated support for large deployments.

Integrations:

INE connects with major learning management systems, single sign-on providers, and corporate training platforms. Integration features include SCORM compliance, API access for custom connections, enterprise authentication, and comprehensive reporting exports. The platform integrates seamlessly with existing corporate training while maintaining full functionality.

Value Proposition

Business Impact:

Faster Technical Skill Development:

INE helps IT professionals develop job-ready skills much faster than traditional training through hands-on lab experience and expert instruction. Organizations report major improvements in employee technical abilities, faster productivity for new hires, and higher certification pass rates. The practical focus ensures training directly improves job performance and career opportunities.

Lower Training Costs:

The platform eliminates expensive physical lab equipment, dedicated training facilities, and travel costs. Organizations save money through cloud-based labs providing access to enterprise equipment without buying it, scalable training for growing teams, and comprehensive content that eliminates multiple training vendors.

Better Cybersecurity Protection:

INE’s cybersecurity training helps organizations build stronger security teams and improve overall security through practical, hands-on training. Companies achieve better incident response, improved threat detection skills, and compliance with cybersecurity training requirements. The platform’s recognized certifications provide verifiable proof of team capabilities.

ROI & Cost Savings:

Higher Certification Success Rates:

Organizations using INE achieve much higher certification pass rates compared to traditional training, reducing time and costs from failed attempts. The hands-on approach speeds learning, helping professionals achieve certifications faster and with more confidence. Studies show practical lab experience plus expert instruction results in more successful certifications and stronger skills.

No Infrastructure Costs:

Companies save substantial amounts on training infrastructure by using INE’s cloud labs instead of buying and maintaining physical equipment. Traditional networking labs can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, while INE provides the same equipment virtually. Organizations redirect money from infrastructure to strategic initiatives while providing better training.

Better Employee Retention:

Technical professionals with access to continuous learning show higher job satisfaction and stay longer. Organizations investing in employee development through INE training see reduced turnover costs, improved team productivity, and stronger technical capabilities.

AI & Technology Deep Dive

INE uses advanced cloud technology and virtual simulation specifically designed for comprehensive technical training, hands-on skill development, and practical IT education.

Advanced Virtual Lab Technology:
The platform uses sophisticated virtualization and cloud computing to provide access to real enterprise equipment without physical hardware. Virtual lab capabilities include multi-vendor network equipment simulation (Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet), isolated security testing environments, cloud platform sandboxes for AWS and Azure training, and scalable infrastructure supporting thousands of users simultaneously.
Learning Management and Analytics:
INE uses sophisticated progress tracking and analytics systems that monitor learning progress, assess skill development, and provide personalized recommendations. The system enables adaptive learning paths based on individual progress, competency mapping for industry certifications, comprehensive reporting for enterprise customers, and smart content recommendations.
Cloud-Native Training Platform:
Built on secure, scalable cloud infrastructure, INE’s training system processes learning activities, lab sessions, and progress tracking through distributed cloud services while maintaining high availability and performance. The architecture provides automatic content updates, infinite scalability for labs, and global content delivery.
Certification and Assessment Systems:
The platform maintains sophisticated certification tracking and assessment systems that align training progress with industry certification requirements, provide realistic exam simulation, and enable comprehensive skill validation through practical assessments and lab environments.
Multi-Platform Learning:
INE delivers all training functionality through responsive web applications and mobile platforms with complete access to video content, lab environments, and progress tracking across devices while maintaining consistent learning experiences.

User Experience

Interface & Usability:

The platform has clean, modern interfaces designed for technical professionals who need comprehensive training without complexity. Users praise the simple dashboard providing immediate access to courses and labs, smooth transition between videos and hands-on labs, and logical organization making it easy to find training materials. The interface works consistently across web and mobile platforms with customizable learning paths for individual needs.

Customization:

Extensive options include personalized dashboards showing progress across technology areas, customizable certification paths for career goals, flexible lab environments for specific learning scenarios, and adaptable content for different learning styles. Advanced options include corporate branding for enterprises, custom learning paths for job roles, and integrated progress tracking for organizational training.

Accessibility:

Complete platform functionality works on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices through responsive design and native mobile apps. The cloud-based system ensures consistent access to all features including virtual labs from anywhere with internet. Mobile apps provide full access to videos, progress tracking, and labs optimized for different screen sizes.

Security & Compliance

Data Protection:

Enterprise Security:

INE maintains comprehensive data protection through cloud-based security including encrypted data transmission, secure user authentication, and protected access to training materials and lab environments. The platform uses role-based access controls, secure session management for virtual labs, and comprehensive monitoring ensuring complete protection of user progress and certification data.

Industry Security Practices:

As a cybersecurity training provider, INE implements security practices that align with industry standards taught in their own courses. The platform maintains secure development practices, regular security assessments, and compliance with educational technology security requirements.

Compliance Support:

INE provides compliance help for organizations in regulated industries including government agencies needing security clearance training, financial services maintaining technical compliance, and healthcare organizations implementing HIPAA technical safeguards.

Virtual Lab Security:

The platform’s virtual lab environments implement complete security isolation ensuring student activities remain separated and secure. Lab security includes isolated network environments preventing interference between users, secure reset capabilities, and controlled access to simulated enterprise equipment.

Pricing & Packages

Pricing Structure:

INE uses transparent subscription pricing with flexible tiers for individual learners through large enterprises. Pricing provides predictable costs that scale with actual training needs while including comprehensive features across all levels. All pricing includes unlimited access to video content, hands-on labs, and certification materials with no hidden fees.

Plan Comparison:

Plan	Annual Price	Features	Lab Access	Best For
Fundamentals	$299	200+ hours content, intro learning paths, 250+ hands-on labs, free eJPT and ICCA exam vouchers	Limited to intro labs	Individual beginners, students
Premium	$749	Complete course library, 3,500+ hours content, 1,000+ hands-on labs, networking workbooks, 50% off certification vouchers	Full lab access	Working professionals
Premium+	$899	Premium features plus PentesterAcademy access ($249 value), advanced cybersecurity content	Full access including specialized labs	Advanced cybersecurity professionals
Skill Dive	$299	Immersive lab experience, 2,400+ specialized labs, one focus area	Unlimited specialized lab access	Hands-on learners
Business Professional	$849 per seat	Team management, progress tracking, enterprise features	Full business lab access	Small to medium businesses
Business Enterprise	Custom pricing	Unlimited users, custom integrations, dedicated support, advanced analytics	Enterprise lab environments	Large organizations, government

Additional Benefits:

Free Starter Pass: Access to 66+ hours of instruction and 30 hands-on labs at no cost
Certification Vouchers: Discounted exam vouchers with premium subscriptions
Corporate Programs: Custom solutions with bulk pricing
Government Pricing: Special rates for government and education
Annual Savings: Significant discounts for yearly commitments

Trial Options:

INE provides genuine trial access through their free Starter Pass, offering real value with extensive content including video training, hands-on labs, and preparation for entry-level certifications. The trial lets people experience the platform quality before paying.

Implementation & Onboarding

INE provides one of the most straightforward implementation processes in technical training, designed for immediate access without complex setup.

Phase	Timeline	Activities
Account Setup	Day 1 (immediate)	Account creation, subscription activation, platform orientation, mobile app setup
Learning Path Selection	Days 1-2	Career goal assessment, certification pathway selection, course enrollment, lab access
Initial Training	Week 1	First video courses, hands-on lab exploration, assessment completion, progress tracking
Structured Learning	Weeks 2-4	Systematic course progression, regular lab practice, quiz completion, study schedule
Certification Preparation	Ongoing	Exam preparation, advanced labs, specialized training, continuous skill development

Immediate Access:

INE’s cloud-based platform lets learners begin technical training within minutes of account creation through automated setup and instant access to all materials. The platform provides immediate value through comprehensive course libraries, virtual labs, and certification materials without software installation or hardware setup.

Comprehensive Onboarding:

While designed for immediate self-service access, the platform includes extensive onboarding resources including platform orientation videos, learning path recommendations based on career goals, and strategic guidance for certification planning. Enterprise customers receive dedicated support for user management and progress tracking.

Scalable for Organizations:

INE accommodates various organizational structures from individual development to large-scale corporate training, providing scalable solutions that integrate with existing IT training while supporting business objectives.

Support & Resources

Customer Support:

INE provides comprehensive support designed for technical professionals needing both platform help and learning guidance. The support team includes technical experts who understand complex IT training needs and provide ongoing help for course selection, certification planning, and technical troubleshooting.

Support Channels:

Phone Support: Direct access at 1-877-224-8987 (USA) and +1-775-826-4344 (International)
Email and Ticket Support: Detailed technical help with complex training questions
Knowledge Base: Extensive resources covering platform features and training best practices
Live Streaming Education: Regular “INE Live” sessions with instructors and industry experts

Hours:

Support includes business hours phone support for technical issues, 24/7 self-service resources, regular educational live streams and webinars, and responsive email support for platform and learning guidance.

Responsiveness:

INE maintains strong support with users highlighting helpful guidance for certification planning, technical training strategies, and platform optimization. Customer feedback shows appreciation for the support team’s deep understanding of both technical training needs and industry certification pathways.

Learning Resources:

Technical Education: Extensive content covering networking fundamentals, cybersecurity best practices, and cloud computing strategies
Certification Guidance: Step-by-step guides for major IT certifications and career pathway recommendations
Industry Expert Content: Regular content from recognized experts and insights into emerging technologies

Customer Insights

User Ratings:

G2: 4.4/5 based on 164 reviews highlighting excellent instructor quality and comprehensive hands-on labs
GetApp: 4.4/5 with users praising practical training approach and certification preparation effectiveness
Software Suggest: Positive ratings focusing on comprehensive lab environments and expert-level content quality
Training Industry: Recognized as “Top IT Training Company to Watch” for innovation in hands-on technical education

Feedback Trends:

Users consistently praise INE’s exceptional hands-on lab environments that provide real-world experience with expensive enterprise equipment, expert-quality instruction from industry veterans with decades of practical experience, comprehensive certification preparation that significantly improves pass rates, and practical skills that translate directly to improved job performance. Technical professionals appreciate the multi-vendor approach, advanced security training capabilities, and continuous content updates. Common improvement requests center on pricing accessibility for individual learners, expanded content in emerging technologies, enhanced mobile app functionality, and more beginner-friendly onboarding for career changers.

Professional Recognition:

The platform has earned recognition as a leader in IT training from Training Industry, positive coverage in cybersecurity publications for innovative training approaches, and endorsements from major organizations including the European Central Bank for cybersecurity training programs. Customer testimonials consistently demonstrate measurable improvements in technical capabilities, certification success rates, and career advancement.

Real-World Applications

Government Agency – Cybersecurity Training:
A federal government agency implemented INE’s cybersecurity training to enhance their security team capabilities and meet mandatory training requirements. Implementation involved INE Security certifications for penetration testing and incident response, hands-on lab training for threat hunting and digital forensics, comprehensive progress tracking for compliance reporting, and integration with existing government systems. Results show enhanced cybersecurity capabilities across security teams, improved incident response times, simplified compliance with federal cybersecurity training mandates, and comprehensive skill validation through recognized certifications.
Fortune 500 Technology Company – Network Engineering:
A major technology corporation used INE’s networking training to upskill their global engineering teams and maintain technical excellence across expanding operations. Implementation included comprehensive CCIE and CCNP training programs, hands-on lab access for practical skill development, customized learning paths for specific job roles, and enterprise-wide progress tracking. Results show dramatically improved certification pass rates, enhanced network troubleshooting capabilities reducing downtime, standardized technical competencies across global offices, and improved employee retention through professional development.
Managed Service Provider – Technical Development:
A growing MSP implemented INE’s comprehensive training to develop technical capabilities across multiple technology domains and enhance service delivery. Implementation involved multi-track training covering networking, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies, hands-on lab environments for practical skills, certification preparation supporting client confidence, and scalable training programs supporting business growth. Results demonstrate enhanced service delivery capabilities, improved client satisfaction through demonstrated expertise, increased billable service offerings, and successful business growth supported by comprehensive technical competency development.
Educational Institution – Curriculum Enhancement:
A major university integrated INE’s platform into their computer science and cybersecurity programs to provide students with practical, industry-relevant training alongside traditional coursework. Implementation included hands-on cybersecurity labs complementing theoretical courses, industry certification preparation enhancing graduate employability, practical networking training using virtual enterprise equipment, and comprehensive progress tracking supporting academic assessment. Results show improved student engagement through hands-on learning, enhanced graduate employability through recognized certifications, strengthened industry partnerships, and successful integration of practical training with academic curriculum.

Alternatives & Market Position

Top Competitors:

Within technical IT training, INE competes against various platforms serving different aspects of technical education. Pluralsight offers comprehensive technology training with good assessments but lacks INE’s extensive hands-on labs and cybersecurity specialization. Cisco Learning Network provides official Cisco certification training but doesn’t match INE’s multi-vendor approach and advanced lab scenarios. Udemy offers affordable individual courses but lacks structured learning paths, hands-on labs, and expert-level content depth. Linux Academy (now A Cloud Guru) focuses on cloud training but doesn’t offer INE’s comprehensive networking and cybersecurity coverage.

Feature & Pricing Comparison:

Feature	INE	Pluralsight	Cisco Learning	Udemy	A Cloud Guru	Cybrary
Primary Focus	Hands-on IT training	Tech skills development	Cisco certifications	General online courses	Cloud computing	Cybersecurity training
Starting Price	$299/year	$300/year	$3,000+ (bootcamps)	$50-200 per course	$468/year	$399/year
Hands-On Labs	✓ (3,000+ labs)	✓ (limited)	✓ (Cisco only)	✗	✓ (cloud focus)	✓ (limited)
Industry Certifications	✓ (14 security + vendor prep)	✗ (skills assessments only)	✓ (Cisco only)	✗	✓ (cloud certs)	✓ (security focus)
Expert Instructors	✓ (industry veterans)	✓ (good quality)	✓ (Cisco certified)	Variable quality	✓ (cloud experts)	✓ (security experts)
Multi-Vendor Support	✓ (Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet)	✓ (general tech)	✗ (Cisco only)	✓ (various)	✓ (multi-cloud)	✓ (various)
Enterprise Features	✓ (comprehensive)	✓ (team management)	✓ (corporate programs)	Limited	✓ (team features)	✓ (business plans)
Mobile Learning	✓ (full access)	✓ (good mobile)	✓ (mobile app)	✓ (mobile app)	✓ (mobile app)	✓ (mobile app)
Free Content	✓ (Starter Pass)	✓ (limited trial)	✓ (some free content)	✓ (free courses)	✓ (limited trial)	✓ (basic plan)
Learning Paths	✓ (structured tracks)	✓ (skill paths)	✓ (certification tracks)	Limited structure	✓ (learning paths)	✓ (career paths)
Real-World Scenarios	✓ (extensive simulation)	Limited	✓ (Cisco scenarios)	Depends on course	✓ (cloud scenarios)	✓ (security scenarios)

INE differentiates through its unique combination of extensive hands-on lab environments, multi-vendor technical coverage, industry-recognized certifications, and expert instruction that bridges theory with practical application. Unlike competitors focusing on specific vendors or general technology skills, INE provides comprehensive technical depth across networking, cybersecurity, and cloud domains with proven results in professional certification and career advancement.

Strengths & Limitations

Key Advantages	Limitations
Unmatched Hands-On Experience: Access to 3,000+ virtual labs simulating real-world IT environments, from basic networking to advanced cybersecurity, providing job-ready skills without expensive hardware.	Higher Cost: More expensive than video-only training platforms; may be difficult for individuals or small organizations with limited budgets.
Industry-Recognized Expert Instruction: Courses created by seasoned professionals with decades of practical experience and up-to-date industry knowledge.	Limited Non-Technical Content: Focuses only on technical IT training (networking, cybersecurity, cloud), with little coverage of soft skills or general professional development.
Comprehensive Certification Preparation: Full training paths for Cisco (CCNA/CCNP/CCIE), AWS, Azure, and specialized cybersecurity certifications with strong success rates.	Steep Learning Curve for Beginners: While beginner courses exist, the focus on advanced material may overwhelm users with little IT background.
Proven Track Record: Over 20 years of experience, trusted by Fortune 500 companies, and thousands of successful IT professionals.	Internet Dependency: As a cloud-based platform with heavy lab usage, requires stable internet; limited options for offline learning.
Continuous Innovation: Regularly updated through acquisitions (eLearnSecurity, PentesterAcademy) and evolving content to match industry trends.

Final Assessment

Best Fit For:

INE is perfect for IT professionals who want hands-on technical training that goes beyond just reading about concepts.

Key audiences include:

IT professionals seeking practical, job-ready skills
Cybersecurity professionals pursuing advanced certifications and real skills
Organizations needing to train technical teams with actual hands-on practice
Government agencies requiring security training compliance
MSPs building technical skills across multiple areas
Career changers serious about entering cybersecurity and networking
Companies implementing cybersecurity training programs

The platform works well for anyone pursuing advanced certifications like CCIE or specialized security credentials who want practical experience, not just theory.

Summary Verdict:

INE has changed technical IT training by proving that hands-on experience doesn’t need expensive physical equipment while keeping the highest quality education.

Key strengths include:

Over 3,000 virtual labs providing real-world practice
Expert teaching from industry veterans with decades of practical knowledge
Comprehensive certification preparation with proven high success rates
Continuous improvements through new acquisitions and technology updates

Pricing and Recognition:
Clear pricing starting at $299 annually with extensive free content through Starter Pass. Industry recognition as a training leader with proven results across Fortune 500 companies and government agencies worldwide.

Bottom Line:
INE shows how technical training has evolved from classroom theory to practical, hands-on skills that directly help your career and job performance.

Fun Fact

INE’s founders were fed up with the terrible 3% pass rate for the CCIE certification, so they decided to create training that would actually work. Back in 2003, most networking training meant reading thick books and hoping for the best, which was about as useful as teaching someone to drive by having them read the owner’s manual without ever touching a car. The founders realized this approach wasn’t working when they watched smart engineers fail expensive certification attempts because they couldn’t get hands-on practice with equipment that cost more than most people make in a year.

Brian Dennis and Brian McGahan decided to prove that people learn better when they can actually practice what they’re studying. Today, INE’s 3,000+ virtual labs have helped tens of thousands of professionals pass certifications that once seemed impossible, proving that sometimes the biggest breakthrough in education is simply letting students practice what they’re learning instead of just reading about it.