Behind the scenes at Cisco, Pi Day issomething we plan out weeks-even months-in advance. This year, we're bringing back our Pi Day sale on learning products at the Cisco Learning Network Store. And while thatis something to celebrate and look forward to, it doesn't exactly answer the inevitable question bubbling in the back of your mind...

What does Pi Day have to do with Cisco learning and certifications?

You're not wrong. We have some explaining to do. After all, unless you have some form of "math" in your job title, Pi Day probably isn't a day you pay much attention to. Pi Day might even pass you by, were it not for the puns that do more for your pie cravings than acknowledge the day's actual significance.

Don't worry, I'll spare you from the pi puns and analogies and get straight to the point. Read on to find out why we chose Pi Day to run a 24-hour flash sale on learning and certification products, what you need to know, and some tips to keep in mind as we approach the big day.

If Valentine's Day is for lovers, then Pi Day is for learners

Valentine's Day has its flowers and chocolates; Pi Day has its pies. It's fair to say that many don't approach either day with its rooted origin in mind. Ironically enough, no one has been able to trace the initial discovery of pi, though its usage dates back at least 4,000 years. So, what is Pi Day recognizedfor, exactly?

On the surface, we know that Pi Day recognizes the mathematical constant pi, or