IBM ties new e-learning solution to content certification programme;

partner content "ready for" Lotus Learning Management System


Dubai-UAE, 27th February 2003
 
IBM Middle East announced today the availability of the IBM Lotus Learning Management System, a flexible, standards-based portfolio of e-learning components that can scale smoothly from departmental implementations to enterprise-wide applications. The Lotus Learning Management System is designed to connect learning to an organization's core technology such as portals, ERP, Human Resource Information System (HRIS), CRM, as well as other learning systems. With the new e-learning solution, IBM is responding to the region’s demand for a true enterprise-class learning management system that enables integration with existing infrastructure as well as other e-learning systems.
 
In addition, IBM is launching an e-learning content validation offering for its customers in the region, in tandem with the Lotus Learning Management System. Created to help simplify the implementation of course content for Lotus Learning Management System customers and business partners, the "Ready for IBM Lotus Learning software" offering validates third-party content for compatibility with Lotus e-learning software.
 
“Our e-learning solutions help address the growing learning needs of Middle East organizations today, including learning transformation, learning interventions and learning infrastructure,” said Bashar Kilani, software group manager, IBM Middle East and North/West Africa. “The IBM Lotus Learning Management System is designed to help these businesses rapidly set up a centralized training environment that can scale to accommodate geographically-dispersed employees, customers and business partners.”
 
With trends such as industry and government regulations changing the way companies conduct business, e-learning is fast becoming a top technology priority among corporations. Gartner predicts that the global e-learning market will continue aggressive growth, reaching $35 billion by 2005, as organizations work to keep their employees informed, their operations competitive and their training costs low (1).
"Similar to other Lotus e-learning solutions such as the IBM Lotus LearningSpace - Virtual Classroom, the Lotus Learning Management System can help empower workers through collaborative technology, providing a platform for sharing information and enabling workers to be more productive and effective,” continued Kilani.
 
IBM has the necessary breadth to deliver e-learning in the on demand era of computing -- consulting, outsourcing, hardware, software, world-class partner alliances and innovation out of IBM Research. The Learning Management System complements IBM's portfolio of e-learning offerings including strategy development, content development, integration and outsourcing. The Lotus Learning Management System is the second module
in IBM's e-learning portfolio. The first module, the Lotus LearningSpace -Virtual Classroom shipped in October 2002.
 
(1) Gartner Group, "E-Learning: An Application Whose Time Has Come," October 2, 2002


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About IBM
 
IBM is the world’s largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate.  IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable telecommunications service providers and equipment suppliers to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. IBM Global Services is the world’s largest information technology services provider, with 2001 revenues of more than $35 billion. Services is the fastest growing part of IBM, with nearly 150,000 professionals serving customers in 160 countries. IBM Global Services has about 150 data centres around the world keeping thousands of businesses running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information on IBM, visit www.ibm.com.
 

© Press Release 2003