SkillSoft Unveils SkillPort(R) 7.0 Learning Management System

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Industry Leading SaaS-based LMS Delivers New User Interface, Improved Usability, Workflow and Robust Configuration Capabilities

CHICAGO and NASHUA, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL), a leading SaaS provider of on demand e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small to medium-sized businesses, today announced SkillPort 7.0, the learning management system (LMS) for SkillSoft's e-learning solution.

Unveiled at Perspectives 2009, SkillSoft's annual user conference, SkillPort 7.0 features a complete redesign of the user interface which dramatically enhances usability for both end users and administrators, while new configuration options enable organizations to tailor the look and behavior of their system. Providing greater flexibility in organizing courses and content and enhanced search and workflow capabilities, SkillPort 7.0 makes it easier for users to manage personalized learning plans and review their progress. For the administrator, SkillPort 7.0 simplifies the management of everyday tasks through redesigned menus that consolidate functions and reduce the steps needed to manage users, assignments and content. With SkillPort 7.0, SkillSoft is providing organizations with a hosted LMS platform that sets new standards for deploying cost-effective, technology-enabled learning programs.

"We believe that people are an organization's most valuable resource, and keeping them engaged through technology-enabled learning can ensure you are maximizing their potential and creating a committed and loyal workforce," said Jerry Nine, COO, SkillSoft. "The enhancements in version 7.0 incorporate recommendations from the 2,000 customers and 7.5 million users on SkillPort today. With SkillPort 7.0, we continue to provide organizations with a SaaS-based LMS platform that can deliver the highest quality learning resources and experiences precisely when and how they are needed."

SkillPort 7.0 also features improved ease of use functionality for the SkillSoft Catalog. The SkillPort 7.0 catalog now displays a convenient visual folder tree that organizes courses and content logically, allowing users to quickly drill down into various subject areas. Administrators now have a more intuitive interface to create custom folders consisting of both SkillSoft and proprietary assets to align the catalog with core learning initiatives. Upon locating a course, the user can easily add it to the My Plan section, defining goals and due dates. Administrators can also assign specific learning content for their employees to complete, which will allow employees to save time from searching and instead focus on daily tasks.

"One of the main drivers behind our purchase of SkillSoft content was to make it more convenient for our employees to develop their skills. Every extra click or vague website navigation that stands between them and this training makes this experience less valuable for us," said Scott Millward, VP, Organization Development & Training at Fox Networks Group. "The new SkillPort interface is so easy to use that our employees are now asking questions about the content itself instead of how to access it."

SkillPort 7.0 also features improvements to SkillSoft's search technology, Search & Learn(R). The new Search & Learn feature gives users the option to search within their initial results in order to find what options they are looking for more quickly and efficiently. Search & Learn results are displayed with hyperlinks that allow users to quickly view and access the various types of learning resources that meet their search criteria.

Also new with SkillPort 7.0 Search & Learn is the ability to view the full details of any learning resource without leaving the existing window. Previously, users were directed away from their search results into a separate webpage, which made navigation in the portal more difficult.

Finally, to enhance organizational identity of the learning experience, businesses have the opportunity in SkillPort 7.0 to incorporate their own branding throughout the system. The homepage, login page and navigation bars can all be customized with an organization's name, design, color scheme and logo.

About SkillSoft

SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL) is a leading SaaS provider of on-demand e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small to medium-sized businesses. SkillSoft enables business organizations to maximize business performance through a combination of comprehensive e-learning content, online information resources, flexible learning technologies and support services.

Content offerings include business, IT, desktop, and compliance courseware collections, as well as complementary content assets such as Leadership Development Channel(TM) video products, KnowledgeCenter(TM) portals, virtual instructor-led training services and online mentoring services. SkillSoft's Books24x7(R) product offering includes access to more than 20,000 digitized IT and business books, as well as book summaries and executive reports. Technology offerings include the SkillPort(R) learning management system, Search & Learn(R), and SkillSoft(R) Dialogue(TM) virtual classroom.

SkillSoft courseware content described herein is for information purposes only and is subject to change without notice. SkillSoft has no obligation or commitment to develop or deliver any future release, upgrade, feature, enhancement or function described in this press release except as specifically set forth in a written agreement.

SkillSoft, the SkillSoft logo, SkillPort, Search & -Learn, SkillChoice, Books24x7, ITPro, BusinessPro, OfficeEssentials, GovEssentials, EngineeringPro, FinancePro, AnalystPerspectives, ExecSummaries, ExecBlueprints, Express Guide and Dialogue are trademarks or registered trademarks of SkillSoft PLC in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners, countries. 


    Source: SkillSoft

Released May 5, 2009