Blackboard Wins Array of Government Clients Including US Army Training and Doctrine Command Schools
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Blackboard Inc. (Nasdaq: BBBB) announced today that it has added four U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) schools to its fast-growing Government Solutions division. TRADOC additions include
- The Ordnance Mechanical Maintenance School (OMMS), Aberdeen, Md.
- Command & General Staff College (CGSC), Fort Leavenworth, Ks.
- The United States Army Logistics Management College (ALMC), Fort Lee, Va.
- The University of Information Technology (UIT), Fort Gordon, Ga.
All four schools have licensed the Blackboard Learning System(TM) to enhance traditional classroom instruction and enable soldiers and service personnel to access training materials anytime and from any location, even after formal instruction is completed. The Blackboard Learning System at these schools is integrated with the Army Knowledge Online (AKO) portal, which enables knowledge sharing among the army’s communities.
These schools are leading the way for the implementation of the TRADOC Lifelong Learning Masterplan, a three-year initiative to establish Lifelong Learning Centers across the TRADOC system. These centers will provide new e- learning capabilities to more than 350,000 members of the U.S. Army.
The Blackboard Learning System is part of the company’s comprehensive e- learning software platform, the Blackboard Academic Suite(TM). In addition to the four TRADOC schools, other government agencies that recently adopted the Blackboard Learning System to enhance existing training programs include:
National Center on Education and the Economy — Blackboard will provide the complete Blackboard Academic Suite hosted by Blackboard(R) ASP Services, to roll out the NCEE’s America’s Choice School Design program nationwide.
Illinois State Police Department — Through the Crime Laboratory Improvement Program, the Blackboard Learning System — Basic Edition will supply in-house training programs, including a 1 or 2 year new employee training regiment, employee orientation and management training.
US Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School — The Blackboard Learning System and additional Blackboard(R) services will create an automated testing platform and online grade book in support of Assignment Oriented Training.
VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network — Implementation of the Blackboard Learning System, hosted by Blackboard(R) ASP Services, represents expansion of the company’s software and services within the Veterans Association, primarily in support of leadership development programs.
“The adoption of Blackboard software and services by such a diverse group of government agencies demonstrates the growing flexibility of the Blackboard e-Education solution,” said Michael Chasen, CEO of Blackboard. “These agencies are enabling continual lifelong learning and training, proving that education does not have to be restricted by location or time. Our staff of government specialists is working closely with them to achieve the best solutions for their individual needs.”
About Blackboard Inc.
Blackboard is a leading provider of enterprise software applications and related services to the education industry. The Company’s product line consists of five software applications bundled in two suites, the Blackboard Academic Suite (TM) and the Blackboard Commerce Suite (TM). Blackboard’s clients include colleges, universities, schools and other education providers, as well as textbook publishers and student-focused merchants that serve education providers and their students. Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices and staff in North America, Europe and Asia.
Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Blackboard and other statements containing the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “will,” and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of our most recent 10-Q filed with the SEC. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company’s views as of December 9, 2004. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company’s views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to December 9, 2004.
CONTACT:
Melissa Chotiner
Public Relations Manager of Blackboard Inc.
+1-202-463-4860 ext. 2404
Mchotiner@blackboard.com
Stacey Finkel of DBC Public Relations
+1-866-774-4720
stacey@dbcpr.com
Web site: http://www.blackboard.com
